At NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, we know that respect for the human right of bodily autonomy connects reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights.  All people have the right to control their bodies, to claim their own sexuality and gender identity, and should not experience discrimination because of it. Today's decision builds on the 2015 Supreme Court decision affirming marriage equality, stating unequivocally that no one can be fired for being part of the LGBTQ community. While we know there is still more work to be done to ensure full equality for all people, at NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina we celebrate today's decision. Below is the statement from our partner Equality North Carolina:

"Today in a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that companies can’t unfairly fire or otherwise discriminate against LGBTQ people in the workplace. The ruling will directly impact the lives of 11.5 million gay, lesbian, and bisexual people and 1.5 million transgender people living in the U.S.

This morning, Equality North Carolina Executive Director Kendra R. Johnson released the following statement:

“This victory is a watershed moment for the LGBTQ community all across America and holds more significance than the marriage equality rulings of several years ago. For decades, LGBTQ people have fought to secure basic protections from discrimination within every arena of their lives. The Court’s decision will directly impact millions of people across the country and allow them to both live authentically in the workplace and care for their families with respect and dignity.”

“But even with this landmark ruling, the work of the LGBTQ community is far from done. HB 142 is still on the books in North Carolina. There are still shocking and critical gaps in our nondiscrimination laws, particularly in housing, public places, federal programs and more. LGBTQ people face harassment and mistreatment in their daily lives and black and brown LGBTQ trans people face even higher rates of discrimination and, oftentimes, violence.

“Recent data shows a majority of Americans across ideologies, age, and religious affiliation in all 50 states support passage of LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections to ensure all LGBTQ Americans can live with respect, dignity, and safety in all areas of life. With the Supreme Court leading the way, Congress must pass the Equality Act into law and the North Carolina General Assembly must immediately repeal House Bill 142 and pass the Equality for All Act into law.”