1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I need you to oppose any expansion of religious exemptions that would allow employers to fire transgender workers. The Fourth Circuit is currently deciding Zinski v. Liberty University, a case that could gut workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people at religious institutions nationwide. Ellenor Zinski worked an IT help desk job at Liberty University. She did her job well. When she disclosed her gender identity to HR in 2023, they fired her. Liberty now claims religious doctrine gives them the right to fire any transgender employee, regardless of their role. If this argument succeeds, religious employers could invoke doctrine to discriminate against anyone, including on the basis of race or national origin. The ministerial exception already protects religious autonomy over clergy and those conveying religious doctrine. That's the clear boundary. Zinski fixed computers. Her work had no religious function. The Supreme Court's Bostock decision established that firing someone for being transgender is sex discrimination under Title VII. Religious belief doesn't override federal civil rights law for secular positions. This case will determine whether transgender people can work at religious institutions without hiding who they are. Stand with workers like Ellenor Zinski and defend the principle that civil rights protections apply to everyone.