Allegations of discrimination against LGBT employees, though not new, still remain an issue in Catholic schools and universities. A recent spate of firings has brought the issue into focus as members of the LGBT community have become more visible and the advent of marriage equality in the United States has made their identity more evident, say advocates.
In the United States, around 4.5% of the population identifies as LGBT — an estimated 11 million people. Among them 88% are employed, according to a recent report by MAP and LGBTQ Workers Center. However, advocates say that a worrying wave of religious exemptions to anti-discrimination laws have left many LGBT employees vulnerable.
Catholic institutions, while affirming of LGBT members, seem to draw a line when it comes to marriage.