SAN DIEGO PRIDE DENOUNCES SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT FOSTERS DISCRIMINATION
Today, we find ourselves grappling with the Supreme Court’s decision that, albeit narrowly, has undercut longstanding non-discrimination laws, granting a business the right to refuse service to LGBTQ people. It is alarming that a pathway to legal discrimination against our community has been established, even if it is currently confined to “customized, expressive” services.
This ruling was not prompted by a real demand for the business owner’s services, but instead strategically orchestrated by a national anti-LGBTQ group. It’s crucial to remember that while the First Amendment is central to our democracy and society, it does not offer a license to businesses to discriminate.
Our nation’s highest Court should never be a platform for fostering discrimination, yet recent decisions, including the debilitating blow to affirmative action, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ rights, suggest a distressing trajectory. It appears this Court aims to dismantle policies designed to mitigate discrimination, and paradoxically, facilitate avenues for that very discrimination.
Marking the end of national Pride month, this decision is a stark reminder of why Pride remains critical. Born out of protest, Pride embodies our community’s ceaseless fight to exist openly, demanding dignity, respect, and acceptance.
While we are disheartened by this ruling, it strengthens our resolve. San Diego Pride will not retreat. We pledge to carry on the struggle for full equality and liberation of our community. We face adversity with defiance and hope, determined to create a world where love conquers discrimination and all of us can thrive.
Fernando Z. López
Executive Director
San Diego Pride
Join San Diego Pride in our advocacy efforts to protect marriage equality in California this Pride, and become part of our Civic Action Team as we continue to call on Congress to pass the Equality Act.
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
