Emmy Awards 2019: Laverne Cox’s rainbow clutch makes powerful statement on LGBT+ rights
Star's custom-made clutch carries an important message
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Your support makes all the difference.Laverne Cox‘s choice of handbag at the Emmy Awards made a powerful statement about LGBT+ rights.
This year’s Emmy Awards are taking place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday 22 September.
Many of the biggest names in television have descended upon the City of Angels for the glamorous event, one of them being Orange Is The New Black star Cox.
The actor graced the purple carpet ahead of the awards ceremony in a stunning black and lilac Monsoori gown, carrying a custom rainbow-coloured Edie Parker clutch in tow.
However, her clutch was far more than simply an accessory, as it referenced an upcoming date during which LGBT+ rights will be discussed in the US Supreme Court.
The white lettering which adorns the eye-catching clutch reads: “Oct 8. Title VII. Supreme Court.”
On Tuesday 8 October, the US Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects against cases of anti-LGBT+ discrimination in the workplace.
“Title VII is a federal law that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, religion or national origin,” Time explains.
However, the US Justice Department argues that this does not apply to sexual orientation.
Cox attended the Emmy Awards alongside Chase Strangio, an American Civil Liberties Union staff attorney and transgender rights activist.
Prior to the awards ceremony, Strangio explained the significance of the Supreme Court hearing to television reporter Giuliana Rancic.
“October 8th, everyone should be aware that the administration is asking the Supreme Court to make it legal to fire workers just because they are LGBTQ,” the attorney said.
“And this is actually going to transform the lives of LGBTQ people, and people who are not LGBTQ, anyone who departs from sex stereotypes, like all the fabulous people here, for example. So we really need to show up October 8th, and pay attention because our lives are really on the line.”
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