In early 2017, Community Foundation Boulder County board and staff approved a statement to better articulate our values and with whom we stand (see end of letter). While we find reasons every day to draw inspiration from our statement of affirmation, there are moments when it becomes particularly important to stand with our community and speak out for equity. The recent ruling in the Masterpiece Cake Shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission has presented such a moment.
The foundation has promised to be an honest broker of information to this community. During the past week, I’ve become aware that there is not only confusion about the ruling but that some have chosen to interpret the ruling as validation for discriminatory and threatening behavior towards our LGBTQ friends and neighbors.
Community Foundation Boulder County affirms the statement of the Funders for LGBTQ Issues:
“…the United States Supreme Court released its long-awaited decision in Masterpiece Cake shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission; a case that many feared would permit business owners to discriminate against LGBTQ people. The case concerned a Colorado baker who cited his religious beliefs as a justification for refusing to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. While the Court decided that the baker had not received a fair hearing before the state’s civil rights commission, we are heartened that the Court nonetheless strongly emphasized the broad validity of anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ people. The Court wrote that gay people ‘cannot be treated as social outcasts or as inferior in dignity and worth,’ and that ‘the laws and the Constitution can, and in some instances must, protect them in the exercise of their civil rights.’”
The statement goes on to make clear, “The Court’s limited ruling in this case did not determine how best to balance these rights, which means that future cases will shape the degree to which LGBTQ people are protected from discrimination. Across the country we are seeing continued attacks on LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom. LGBTQ people are still not explicitly protected from discrimination by federal law, making state-by-state laws and policies critical to the ability of LGBTQ people to participate equally in public life. Today, only 21 states have those explicit protections, and, in many states, we are seeing continued attacks on LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom.”
Mardi Moore, Executive Director of Out Boulder County, confirms that, while the letter of the ruling does not endorse discrimination, there have been increased local reports of behavior threatening the safety of LGBTQ individuals following the decision.
Present circumstances have many people reflecting on when, in the early 1990’s, Amendment 2 was passed in Colorado banning state and local laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Court battles ensued, and in May 1996 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Amendment 2 was unconstitutional. The majority opinion stated that the amendment could not stand because
“… Amendment 2 classifies homosexuals not to further a proper legislative end but to make them unequal to everyone else. This Colorado cannot do. A state cannot so deem a class of persons a stranger to its laws.”
Within this context, when the foundation established our Open Door Fund in 1996, we did so envisioning a world where our LBGTQ community members would be treated equitably. The world and Colorado are not yet there, and reports of increased discrimination and threats are concerning.
Community Foundation Boulder County stands with our LGBTQ community for equity and against all expressions and acts of discrimination. As an ordained United Methodist pastor, I and other people of faith stand with our LGBTQ community with the fullest expression of love and solidarity.
Please join us with your voice. Together, we will keep working for equity.
Yours in community,
Jeff Hirota, CEO, Community Foundation Boulder County
Statement of Affirmation
Community Foundation Boulder County is committed to being a community catalyst for good, alongside donors and partners like you. We believe our community is stronger when all people – women and men, children, older adults, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, those with varying abilities and from all faiths – are respected, welcomed, and invited to share their assets and contributions in community building.
We stand with others, in Boulder County and beyond, who courageously strive to build more inclusive communities rather than walls of division. We remain wholeheartedly committed to social justice for our most marginalized and vulnerable people and for the care of threatened environments. We believe in the power of art and music to improve our lives and community. Now, more than ever, we seek opportunities for local action and invite you to join us in our ongoing leadership work that includes grant-making, outreach, and advocacy. We accomplish more together than we do alone.
