Civil Rights and LGBTQ+ Rights Are Not The Same!

The struggle for equality and rights for marginalized communities has been an ongoing battle in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s paved the way for significant progress toward equal treatment and protection under the law for African Americans. However, in recent years, there has been a push to include the LGBTQ community in this fight for civil rights. While both groups face discrimination and oppression, it is essential to understand that LGBTQ rights and civil rights are not the same.

A critical aspect of this differentiation is the legal protection offered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark legislation prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. In 1991, the Civil Rights Act was amended to include protections against discrimination in the workplace due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. While these protections extend to members of the LGBTQ community, it is essential to note that they do not explicitly mention sexual orientation or gender identity. This distinction is significant, as it allows for loopholes and interpretation regarding discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. For example, a company may have a policy that prohibits discrimination based on sex. However, they may also have a policy that denies employment to individuals whose gender expression does not conform to traditional gender roles. This type of discrimination can still occur despite the protections under Title VII.

Moreover, integrating the LGBTQ community into the Civil Rights movement has hurt the progress of civil rights for Black people. With the focus shifting toward gender and sexuality, issues faced by people of color have been overshadowed, creating a hierarchy of marginalized communities. Companies have started implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies to cater to the LGBTQ community but often neglect to address discriminatory practices against people of color. This was evident in the backlash faced by Starbucks when they announced their “Race Together” campaign, aimed at fostering a dialogue on race relations but failed to implement any real change in their hiring and promotion practices for people of color. Furthermore, the integration of the LGBTQ community into the Civil Rights movement has negatively impacted the Black church, which has been the originator and leader of the Civil Rights movement.

The church has faced criticism for not fully embracing and accepting the LGBTQ community, with some accusing it of being discriminatory. However, it is essential to understand that the Black church’s stance is rooted in biblical teachings that do not condone homosexual behavior. Leviticus 18:22 states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” This clear and direct message from God’s word cannot be altered or ignored to fit the desires of a particular group. The Bible also teaches us to love and accept all individuals, regardless of their choices or lifestyle. However, loving someone does not mean condoning their actions or altering the word of God to fit their desires. The Black church’s stance on LGBTQ behavior is not one of hate or discrimination but one based on the teachings of the Bible. By integrating the LGBTQ community into the Civil Rights movement, the Black church and its leaders are often labeled as intolerant and discriminatory, hindering their efforts to spread the gospel and provide salvation to those who seek it.

In summary, it is crucial to recognize that LGBTQ and civil rights are different. While both groups have faced discrimination and oppression, the legal protections and focus of each movement differ significantly. The integration of the LGBTQ community into the Civil Rights movement has hurt the progress of civil rights for Black people and has also caused tension within the Black church. It is essential to continue the fight for equality and justice for all marginalized communities. Still, it should not be at the expense of trampling on the hard work and sacrifices of historical Civil Rights leaders. As individuals, it is crucial to educate ourselves and understand the differences between the two movements while working toward progress and equality for all, without diminishing the efforts of one group over another.