Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement regarding the United States Supreme Court decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission:

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a reminder that the fight for LGBT equality is long from over, and that we must continue to stand strong against those seeking to undo the progress we’ve made so far.

“While I disagree that the facts supported the outcome in this case, the decision importantly preserves the basic principle that states may protect persons from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by places of public accommodations and that there is no unqualified right to discriminate against LGBT persons because of religious beliefs. Every American, regardless of their sexual orientation, must be entitled to equal opportunity in all facets of American life, including the ability to go into a store, medical office or restaurant and be served on the same basis as every other member of the general public. 

“Congress must immediately take up the Equality Act to create unambiguous, nationwide anti-discrimination protections for LGBT Americans, so that no one else has to have their dignity questioned and reviewed in court. For a fair and equal society, businesses must be open to all.”

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