State leaders praise Supreme Court’s ruling on LGBTQ discrimination

Gov. Laura Kelly lauded Monday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling protecting LGBTQ employees from workplace discrimination, calling it a "remarkable step in the right direction."

"All Kansans deserve protection from employment discrimination," Kelly said in a statement. "We will continue standing up for our LGBTQ+ communities."

The ruling, which comes in the midst of Pride Month, is an important win for the LGBTQ community.

The United States Supreme Court voted 6-3 to make it illegal for employers to discriminate based on a person's sex, sexual orientation and transgender status.

Kelly signed an executive order in 2019 that restored protections to LGBTQ state employees and those who conduct business in Kansas.

A similar order was put in place by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2007, but it was rescinded by Gov. Sam Brownback in 2015.

Several lawmakers backed a bill in 2019 that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of banned discriminations.

Equality Kansas, an LGBTQ advocacy group, said Kansas still doesn't offer protections against gender identity and sexual orientation.

"We still have far to go," Equality Kansas said in a statement. "While LGBTQ Americans now have federal protections against employment discrimination in most cases, we can still be evicted from our homes and denied services, health care and public accommodations on the basis of our sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. In Kansas, laws remain on the books criminalizing our relationships."

The advocacy group said it will continue to push for LGBTQ inclusion.

"We will not rest until every person in Kansas is free from the scourge of discrimination," Equality Kansas said.

Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, called the moment historic. Woodard, one of the first openly gay elected Kansas representatives, said it is a momentous step toward making LGBTQ equality a reality in the country.

Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers also noted the importance of the ruling, especially in the middle of Pride Month.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., said no one should be "fired because of who they love or how they identify, and today SCOTUS upheld that basic principle in a landmark victory for LGBTQ equality."