I like to think there are jobs out there that are so important to the welfare and betterment of our country, that the woman or man who fills them grows beyond their own political ideologies to consider the thoughts and ideas of others.

That appeared to be the case Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court said the language of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex discrimination, applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The decision came following a 6-to-3 ruling that included two of the court’s conservative members.

“An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law,” Justice Neil M. Gorsuch wrote for the majority. He was joined by fellow conservative Chief Justice John Roberts and more progressive Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan

Veteran court watchers used words such as “stunning” to describe the decision.

What does it mean? I’m certainly not smart enough to know the answer to that question. Nor do I think Gorsuch and Roberts have suddenly turned progressive.

But for a moment, on a hot morning in June, attention to dignity and equal treatment under the law carried the day. And that is cause for celebration.

LMD

The June 25 issue of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter will be a special edition. The Ellsworth County Cancer Fund was among the organizations forced to cancel their events this spring and summer because of COVID-19.

To give the fund the attention it deserves, the I-R plans profiles and stories in the edition about individuals and families who support the fund through their donations and activities.

You, too, can contribute. Call Debbie Mog at Reliant Roofing, (785) 472-3900.

And don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Independent-Reporter. Or better yet — subscribe. You’ll be glad you did.

LMD

Also in next week’s I-R — our annual Explore Central Kansas magazine. It’s filled with places to go, most of them in our backyards. This year, we’ve even included several recipes from the Volga Germans and others who settled here.