SLA Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Holding in Bostock v. Clayton County and LGBTQ2[2] Inclusion
On June 15, 2020, the United States Supreme Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from discriminating against gay and transgender people as such conduct would be discrimination based on sex. This ruling offers essential protections in employment to the LGBTQ2 community, particularly those living in one of the twenty-seven states where no such state-level protection exists.
We at The Sports Lawyers Association applaud and support this ruling. Furthermore, we commend those that have worked tirelessly to bring us to this historic day—from the plaintiffs and lawyers in this case to the communities of color and civil rights advocates that fought for the Civil Rights Act over fifty years ago. As we acknowledge this progress, we join the LGBTQ2 community in hoping that this ruling will likewise offer protection under the law for other public accommodations, housing, health care, and the like.
Beyond the law, we are committed to providing inclusive spaces throughout the SLA organization. It is worth noting that one of the named plaintiffs, Gerald Bostock, was fired from his job when his employer learned that he played in a gay softball league. We firmly believe that everyone in the LGBTQ2 community should feel welcome and included throughout sports spaces—as participants, fans, and specifically to us, as practitioners in the industry.
As Billie Jean King has said, “You have to see it to be it.” We are committed to supporting and amplifying the voices and issues of the LGBTQ2 community in sports and the legal profession. As we do so, we hope that that our LGBTQ2 members can be proud of who they are and what we as an organization represent.
[1] The “acronym discussion” can be a long one, and I don’t think we have time to settle on something for SLA. Most common practice from major organizations in U.S. has become LGBTQ. The “2” is more common in Canada for “Two Spirit” people, and I propose it here, from an international lens and inclusion of indigenous populations. Largest omission in the acronym I propose is “I” for intersex community, which none of the other letters accurately includes. Umbrella term of “Queer community” can be used, although it may be shocking for SLA members unfamiliar with it is a positive term of representation (rather than a pejorative).
[2] The “acronym discussion” can be a long one, and I don’t think we have time to settle on something for SLA. Most common practice from major organizations in U.S. has become LGBTQ. The “2” is more common in Canada for “Two Spirit” people, and I propose it here, from an international lens and inclusion of indigenous populations. Largest omission in the acronym I propose is “I” for intersex community, which none of the other letters accurately includes. Umbrella term of “Queer community” can be used, although it may be shocking for SLA members unfamiliar with it is a positive term of representation (rather than a pejorative).