In a recent speech at the White House “Pride Month 2023” event, President Joe Biden made a bold claim that sent shockwaves through the nation. He stated that gay people could be married in the morning and thrown out of a restaurant in the afternoon. While many initially dismissed this statement as an exaggeration, the fact-checking site PolitiFact surprisingly rated it as “mostly true” on Friday.
Biden’s comments were met with criticism and skepticism, but PolitiFact’s analysis sheds light on an unfortunate reality. It turns out that in 22 states across America, there are no anti-discrimination laws in place to protect individuals based on their sexual orientation. This means that, legally, business owners can refuse service to customers solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It’s crucial to note that same-sex marriage is federally protected, but dining in a restaurant with your same-sex spouse is not. While some states have implemented anti-discrimination laws, the lack of comprehensive legislation in almost half of the states makes Biden’s claim disturbingly accurate.
PolitiFact admits that there isn’t clear data on how often LGBTQ+ people face discrimination in public places. However, reports of same-sex couples being denied service are still surfacing, indicating that discrimination persists even in today’s society. Although the instances may be declining, the fact remains that such mistreatment is legally allowed in nearly half of the states in the U.S.
President Biden’s claim may have raised eyebrows, but it aligns with the unfortunate reality faced by many members of the LGBTQ community. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure equal treatment and protection for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In conclusion, PolitiFact’s assessment validates Biden’s statement, labeling it as mostly true. The president’s words shed light on a crucial issue that demands our attention.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation should have no place in our society, and it is time for lawmakers to address this issue head-on. Let us strive for a future where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of who they love or how they identify themselves.
Source Fox News