Quigley Statement on Chicago Court Ruling on LGBT Workplace Discrimination

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act also protects LGBT employees from workplace discrimination, the first time a federal appellate court has come to that conclusion:

"The ruling issued by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago yesterday is a victory for all Americans committed to the advancement of human rights. Everyone should feel safe, valued, and supported in the workplace. At a time when many in the LGBT community – as well as their friends, family, and allies – are fearful of the Trump Administration's harmful agenda, this ruling sends a clear message that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is not only unacceptable and outdated, but also won't be tolerated as it is inconsistent with our values and our never-ending effort to expand freedom and support justice. It is long past due to broaden the scope of the 1964 Civil Rights Act so that equality on all fronts, for all people, is championed and enforced by law. I applaud the 7th Circuit Court in my home city for taking this important step."