Local residents express support for Supreme Court ruling protecting employment of LGBTQ people

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Supreme Court ruling Monday which protects the LGBTQ community from workplace discrimination is having an impact in Bowling Green, where a similar fairness ordinance has been struck down by the city commission two times in recent years.

Paul Carter, who is running for Bowling Green City Commission, was overwhelmed when he heard the news this morning, having been a victim of discrimination in his past.

“When I was in my 20’s, I was hired at a well-known department store where, following training, I was told that I could never be promoted accessory specialist position because I’m gay,” said Carter.

Past discrimination gave him determination to fight for what he believes is right.

“I am still overwhelmed with joy that we finally have, on a national level, not just on a state or local level, we have on a national level the right to apply, to get a job and to keep that job without fear of being terminated based on something as petty as sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Carter.

The ruling marks a huge day for America and the LGBTQ community, according to Bowling Green City Commissioner Brian ‘Slim’ Nash.

“The Supreme Court is showing us that we are on the right track that everybody, including those people in Bowling Green that are LGBTQ deserve civil rights,” said Nash.

While Monday’s Supreme Court ruling protects the workplace, the local fairness ordinance from years past covered more than just workplace inequalities.

“The fight’s not over. We still have to fight for protection when it comes to housing. We still have to fight for protections in public accommodations. But right now, to actually have the ability to have confidence when you get hired at a job that your employer is not going to be able to dismiss you if they find out you’re gay, to be able to be out in the workplace is a huge day for queer rights,” said Carter.

Nash, who is up for reelection, says if he is re-elected, he plans to re-introduce the fairness ordinance.