by abryant

COMING SOON: SCOTUS Decision in major religious refusal case

As is our tradition in June, we are awaiting a potentially huge decision from the US Supreme Court— Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. The Court heard oral arguments on November 4, 2020, and a decision is likely to be made by the end of the court’s current term in June 2021—any day now.

While the specifics of the Fulton case involve foster care services and LGBTQ prospective parents, the stakes in the case are much broader. A loss could result in taxpayer-funded child welfare services agencies having a right to discriminate against children in government care when providing foster care services on behalf of cities or states using taxpayer dollars. And such a license to discriminate could go far beyond foster care services. A ruling in this case for Catholic Social Services could also apply to food banks, homeless shelters, disaster relief services and other taxpayer-funded services—creating a broad license to discriminate. 

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by abryant

This Month We Celebrate!

June is Pride month and there is so much to celebrate! Despite the year in quarantine and isolation, Georgia Equality has refused to pump the breaks, continuing to advance LGBT rights throughout our state. 

We first acknowledge those who have come before us. The LGBT community has a vast history that both transcends and maintains roots in race, religion, class, and regional cultural traditions. Pride is about understanding who we are, expressing ourselves, and embracing our voice. This month we take the time to reflect and to celebrate where we have been and where we hope to be. 

Georgia Equality has been instrumental in passing comprehensive non-discrimination ordinances in 12 cities,  has successfully stopped all anti-LGBTQ legislation in Georgia for the 8th year in a row,  and continues to be a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Georgia Equality contiunes to be a driving force at the Georgia State General Assembly, helping to protect your right to vote, and the rights of our transgender children statewide; all of this being achieved on the heels of our crucial engagement in the 2020 general and run-off elections.

But while there have been huge gains, there is still much work to be done. The recent attacks on voting rights, the passage of Senate Bill 202, and the attack on the rights of trans youth athletes will likely persist. This will require Georgia Equality and our community at large to continue to be persistent and diligent in the fight for a more fair and just state. 

As we all celebrate our pride, let us also continue with the forward momentum, picking up the torch that was lit for us years ago. Let’s continue to take a stand, using our voices and utilizing our resources to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for the LGBTQ community and our allies throughout the state of Georgia. 

by abryant

Support Cities that Protect You!

 

Looking to explore all the sights and scenes Georgia has to offer this summer? Do you want to support businesses and communities that support you? Consider spending your time and your money in the cities that offer comprehensive civil rights and nondiscrimination protections!

Georgia Equality applauds the 12 cities below that have adopted Comprehensive Civil Rights (CCR) ordinances. A comprehensive civil rights (CCR) ordinance protects individuals within the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups from bias or discriminatory treatment in employment, housing, and public accommodations.  

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by abryant

We commemorate the 40th anniversary of AIDS


Georgia Equality, in partnership with The Tubman Museum, will commemorate the 40th anniversary of AIDS with the installation of African Americans Responding to AIDS: 1981-1991, a photography exhibit honoring historical African American heroes and their responses to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s in Atlanta, GA, opening June 5th, 2021.

African Americans Responding to AIDS: 1981-1991 captures the personal stories of activists, caregivers, health professionals, community leaders, and people living with HIV through the first years of the epidemic. The goal is to preserve the memories and the work of those who were often directly affected by AIDS. This history may help challenge ongoing thought on the past and current state of HIV/AIDS, its treatment and prevention. Each photograph is coupled with an audio recording, the personal stories being told directly by the individuals.

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