Following the Supreme Court’s controversial anti-LGBTQ+ ruling, Michael Imperioli has forbidden “bigots and homophobes” from watching his work.
On 30 June, the court dealt a major blow to LGBTQ+ rights by ruling that a Colorado wedding website designer can refuse to create work for members of the community if it conflicts with religious beliefs.
The decision was reached by a six to three vote of the conservative supermajority and opens the door for businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ people based on their sexuality.
Imperioli, who recently starred as Dominic in the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus, subsequently shared an article on Instagram titled “Supreme Court protects web designer who won’t do gay wedding websites” in which he condemned the court’s decision.
“I’ve decided to forbid bigots and homophobes from watching The Sopranos, The White Lotus, Goodfellas or any movie or tv show I’ve been in,” he wrote. “Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA! USA!”
Imperioli continued to express his allyship in the comments section, saying “America is becoming dumber by the minute” and “hate and ignorance is not a legitimate point of view”.
President Joe Biden issued a statement which stated that he is “deeply concerned” about the ramifications the ruling could have.
“In America, no person should face discrimination simply because of who they are or who they love,” he said.
“The Supreme Court’s disappointing decision in 303 Creative LLC v Elenis undermines that basic truth, and painfully it comes during Pride month when millions of Americans across the country join together to celebrate the contributions, resilience, and strength of the LGBTQI+ community.
“While the court’s decision only addresses expressive original designs, I’m deeply concerned that the decision could invite more discrimination against LGBTQI+ Americans.
“More broadly, today’s decision weakens long-standing laws that protect all Americans against discrimination in public accommodations – including people of colour, people with disabilities, people of faith, and women.”
Biden also promised that his government “will also work with states across the country to fight back against attempts to roll back civil rights protections that could follow this ruling.”
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