A gay Broadway actor, who made legal history 30 years ago by successfully challenging discrimination by an Orange County company, expressed shock and devastation over the recent Supreme Court decision allowing certain businesses to refuse services for same-sex weddings. David Engel, known for his role in the original Broadway production of “La Cage aux Folles,” compared this decision to his own case against Worthington Reunion Photographers. Engel’s case dates back to 1987 when he attended his high school reunion with his partner, Eric Underwood, and the photographer refused to include their picture in the event’s memory book due to the company’s policy against featuring same-sex couples.
Engel described the incident as deeply humiliating and Allred filed a lawsuit on his behalf, ultimately winning a precedent-setting decision in favor of protecting Engel’s rights under the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Over time, the company’s owner apologized to Engel and his partner. However, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which many view as discriminatory towards the LGBTQ+ community, has reignited concerns over the rights of individuals like David Engel. The decision centered around a web designer who cited religious beliefs against gay marriage as a basis for challenging an anti-discrimination law in Colorado.
Attorney Gloria Allred called for the California State Legislature to take action in response to this decision, emphasizing that it does not invalidate other anti-discrimination laws. Engel expressed his disbelief and devastation in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, feeling that all the progress made in fighting discrimination has been undone.
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