Friday June 26, 2015 will be a day to remember for all of history. Same-sex couples can now legally marry in any state in the U.S., but this begs the question; is this the end of the fight for the LGBTQ community? Take a look these simple equality maps to answer to that question yourself. There is still much to do to ensure not only equality exists not only in the law, but in our hearts as Americans.
In 29 states, it is still legal to be fired or to be evicted from your apartment for being gay. Discrimination against same-sex families is still a major problem that is directly affecting LGBT families, leaving them with higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, and poverty.
So what can we do to ensure that every U.S. citizen, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, is safe? We must demand comprehensive LGBT nondiscrimination protections from Congress. Judge Arenda Wright Allen explains that those first three words of our Constitution, “We the people” needs to be taken literally if we are to truly achieve the freedom it guarantees. The Center for American Progress' report, “We the People”, includes a list of what needs to be done to ensure a truly free American society. The report outlines the changes that must be made in order for people of all walks of life to be legally protected from hateful discrimination, but I'll give you the highlights.
Federal and state governments alike would need to pass comprehensive non-discrimination protection bills that protect people from being excluded based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit and federal funding. The government and private institutions should also be keeping more careful track of the cases of discrimination to provide a complete data picture of the the injustice and pinpoint its origins. Finally, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, should be amended so that discrimination isn't actually protected by law.
With the amazing progress America is making, it's more important now than ever to remain diligent and avoid complacency, for we still have a long way to come. America runs on the belief that all people should be treated equally and fairly, and it's time that belief becomes reality. If our government can make the necessary legal changes, perhaps it can be. I encourage you to get involved, speak up, and fight for a free nation no matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. America is the land of the free, but only if we allow it to be.
