WASHINGTON — Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Zbur following today’s Supreme Court ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission:
“More than half a century ago, our nation decided that when a business is open to the public, it must be open to all. Not just a policy, this is a fundamental principle at the heart of who we are — and how we treat one another — as Americans. The U.S. Supreme Court today reaffirmed that principle. “Ultimately, the overwhelming majority of us do not support discrimination, and will continue to use our wallets to support businesses who value fairness and inclusion. We urge those across America — especially those who do business in California — to listen to their customers and sign the Open to All pledge. “As Californians across our state head to the polls tomorrow, it is worth remembering that elections have consequences — and it is up to all of us to elect pro-equality leaders who will fight for laws that protect our friends, family and neighbors from discrimination. Equality California and our partners will do everything in our power — at the ballot box, in the courts and to shape hearts and minds — to continue working toward our ultimate goal of creating a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. “As Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom said recently, ‘The moral arc of the universe bends toward justice, but you have to bend it.'”
“More than half a century ago, our nation decided that when a business is open to the public, it must be open to all. Not just a policy, this is a fundamental principle at the heart of who we are — and how we treat one another — as Americans. The U.S. Supreme Court today reaffirmed that principle.
“Ultimately, the overwhelming majority of us do not support discrimination, and will continue to use our wallets to support businesses who value fairness and inclusion. We urge those across America — especially those who do business in California — to listen to their customers and sign the Open to All pledge.
“As Californians across our state head to the polls tomorrow, it is worth remembering that elections have consequences — and it is up to all of us to elect pro-equality leaders who will fight for laws that protect our friends, family and neighbors from discrimination. Equality California and our partners will do everything in our power — at the ballot box, in the courts and to shape hearts and minds — to continue working toward our ultimate goal of creating a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people.
“As Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom said recently, ‘The moral arc of the universe bends toward justice, but you have to bend it.'”
NOTE TO MEDIA: Equality California spokespeople are available for interviews and commentary related to today’s decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop. Please contact Samuel Garrett-Pate at sam@eqca.org or (973) 476-3770.
More information on Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission can be found here: https://www.aclu.org/cases/masterpiece-cakeshop-v-colorado-civil-rights-commission
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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org
