GLAAD STATEMENT ON THE RETIREMENT OF U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE STEPHEN BREYER

Statement from GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis on the retirement of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, Stephen Breyer:

“Justice Breyer’s legacy will include elevating the dignity and rights of LGBTQ citizens. Our country is more just because of his service. We urge President Biden to nominate a successor as committed to equality, and reflective of our diversifying nation. Women, people of color and LGBTQ people are underrepresented on the Court. The time is now.”

Ellis also responded to Justice Breyer’s retirement on Twitter.

Justice Breyer voted with the majority in landmark Supreme Court cases securing the rights of LGBTQ citizens, including:

Bostock v Clayton County (2020) – expanding Civil Rights employment protections

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) – granting the right to marry

United States v. Windsor (2013) – overturning the discriminatory “Defense of Marriage Act”

Lawrence v. Texas (2003)- securing the Constitutional right to privacy and dignity for LGBTQ people and relationships

Romer v. Evans (1995) – striking down state laws banning LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections

GLAAD’s poll of LGBTQ voters in the 2020 election showed concern about the Supreme Court rolling back protections, with 83% saying it was very/somewhat important to have an LGBTQ justice nominated to the Supreme Court. The previous administration nominated three justices, a first for a one-term presidency, with noted anti-LGBTQ records.