Thread by @RepJayapal

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will take up three historic cases that may define the future of #LGBTQ equality.

More 👇🏾

We’ve made great progress in the last 20 years: decriminalizing homosexuality, marriage equality, rapidly growing trans+ visibility & awareness.

But we STILL don’t have a federal law explicitly protecting LGBTQ folks from discrimination in employment, housing or public spaces.

I’m proud Washington State protects LGBTQ people in state law AND:

☑️ protects queer youth from the vile practice of "conversion therapy"
☑️ bans health insurance exclusions for trans people
☑️ allows trans & non-binary people to accurately list their gender identity on forms

But today in *29 states* LGBTQ folks are still at risk of being fired solely because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Think of it this way: you can come out as trans on Saturday or be married to your same-sex partner on Sunday - but get fired on Monday.

Here’s good news: the Civil Rights Act already protects against discrimination on the basis of sex.

For years, federal courts have agreed that means protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

But now the Supreme Court will weigh in. And Trump, Pence & the far right have two Justices eager to do their bidding.

Fortunately, we have some brilliant, history-making attorneys on the side of justice.

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/…

This isn't theoretical.

The cases the Court will hear tomorrow are about actual LGBTQ people - a child welfare social worker, a skydiving instructor, a funeral home worker - who were fired because of who they are or who they love.

So what do we do?

First, the Senate must pass the #EqualityAct. I was proud to vote for this landmark bill which the House passed in May - with bipartisan support.

We’ve done our job but @senatemajldr and the GOP continue to block this bill in the Senate.

We also must continue to stand up and speak out for LGBTQ equality.

Have tough conversations with those who disagree.

Affirm, respect and care for our LGBTQ friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.

As Co-Chair of @USProgressives, Vice Chair of @LGBTEqCaucus, a life-long ally & the proud mom of a non-binary kid, let me end with this:

The law is on our side.

History is on our side.

And as Dr. King said, "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."