The United States Supreme Court will issue a ruling later this year–possibly as soon as next month–on the Constitutionality of same-sex marriage, and Court watchers expect the high court will legalize same-sex marriage on a national scale. But is that the end of the debate on LGBT rights? No. Far from it. Here are ten other issues that will be debated and fought for even after the Supreme Court’s action.
1. Workplace Discrimination
Believe it or not, there is still no federal law on the books that protects LGBT employees from discrimination. The actions of states such as Louisiana–where Governor Bobby Jindal recently signed a law that protects businesses which discriminate against LGBT residents–is proof that a federal statute is badly needed.
2. Gay Conversion Therapy
Only three states currently prohibit gay conversion therapy. President Obama’s recent remarks on the issue are helpful, but it will take more than words to make this a thing of the past..
3. Jury Selection
Yes, since the Supreme Court has yet to say that members of the LGBT community are a protected class, it is still technically legal for gays to be excluded from a jury. Despite lower court rulings saying that a person cannot be excluded from jury service for sexual orientation, this issue will eventually have to be decided by the Supreme Court.
4. Lack of Gender-Neutral Restrooms in Public Places
This has been a point of contention for years now, but a national acceptance of same-sex marriage might convince more public places to provide gender-neutral facilities.
5. Restrictions on Gay Blood Donors
This is a holdover from the era of HIV-AIDS. In May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted the 1985 ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood, but only if they swear they have not engaged in gay sex a year prior to donating. Medical experts say this is an unnecessary restriction which keeps blood supplies low nationally.
6. Transgender Military Service
Current Defense Secretary Ash Carter says he is open to the idea of transgender military personnel, but there is no official policy in place and this will probably require Congressional action or an order from a federal court.
7. Housing Discrimination
Yes, there are still some who refuse to rent or sell to members of the LGBT community. The bottom line is everyone’s money is green and spends the same, so it’s time to make sure everyone has a right to live wherever they choose. End of story.
8. LGBT Youth Homelessness
40 percent of the homeless youth in this country identify as LGBT. The most common reason a young person who is LGBT is homeless? They were rejected by their family, meaning they are at an increased risk for violence and exploitation. But all young people are the future of this nation, and we must address this issue or face the fact that we are neglecting an entire generation of Americans.
9. Full Acceptance of LGBT Americans in Politics, Entertainment, Sports, and Business
This can help to serve as a starting point for the fuller acceptance of LGBT Americans on a national level. But those in positions of power must be held accountable for this to happen.
10. Suicide
Tragically, LGBT Americans are much more likely to attempt to take their life. Nationally, the suicide rate is 4.6 percent, but among the LGBT community it is between 10-20 percent. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at?1-800-273-8255.
