In a recently published op-ed, former Sen. Steve Urquhart said, “Representatives and senators must step up and pass full, comprehensive federal protections for the LGBTQ community.”
I’m writing to urge Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney to take note. The time is now.
Our country recently achieved one of the greatest milestone Supreme Court decisions for LGBTQ+ equality to date. The court ruled that LGBTQ+ Americans are protected in the workplace from discrimination “on the basis of sex” under federal employment law. Now, it’s time for Congress to do its part to ensure LGBTQ+ Americans are protected in all facets of life, including housing, healthcare, education, public spaces and services, and credit.
All people should be treated fairly and judged according to their actions, not who they are or who they love — and absolutely no one should live in fear because of who they are or who they love. Unfortunately, critical gaps in federal protections remain, leaving people vulnerable. Millions of LGBTQ+ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their everyday lives, including right here in Utah.
The Supreme Court decision was an important step forward, but to truly protect LGBTQ+ Americans, we need Congress to finish the job. I hope Sens. Lee and Romney will stand up for all of their constituents and support a federal solution to LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Equality isn’t a Democratic or Republican value, it’s an American value. Equity is nonpartisan and should be interwoven in our humanity.
Peter Moosman, Salt Lake City
