We all know comedian, talk show host and gay icon Ellen DeGeneres is downright amazing, but yesterday she outdid herself again by dedicating a section of her show to shutting down a terrifying new anti-LGBT law, under the innocent-sounding name “Religious Freedom” law.
It’s been passed in the southern states, and Ellen called it out in the most perfect way, mixing seriousness with clever humor to slam the ridiculous and controversial new laws.
If you haven’t already heard of them or aren’t aware of what they’re about, the Mississippi one lets businesses, organizations and individuals refuse basic services to gay couples on the grounds of their own religious beliefs.
The North Carolina one stops local governments from protecting the LGBT community with anti-discrimination enforcements, leaving them vulnerable to even more abuse and discrimination in their daily lives.
As well as pointing out it contradicts the Marriage Equality law passed by the Supreme Court last year, Ellen explained to her viewers “So, if you don’t know, the Governor of the state signed a religious freedom bill, which might sound good because the word ‘freedom’ is in it, but here’s what it means: Under that law, if you say for religious reasons you can ‘deny gay people marriage, adoption and foster care services; fire or refuse to employ them; and decline to rent or sell them property”
Ellen had began her moving monologue by reminding viewers that she was “not a political person” and pointed out that the legislation was not about politics but about basic human rights.
A visibly upset DeGeneres continued, saying that when she sees something wrong, she has to talk about it.
“It’s the very definition of discrimination. It’s also something that the Supreme Court already ruled on when they made marriage a right for everyone, everyone,” she said, to the cheers and applause of her studio audience, before humorously adding that “they’re supreme. I mean, that’s the best you can get. Like the nacho supreme from Taco Bell”
Ellen talked about growing up in the South herself, before ending with a powerful note of support for LGBT people living there. “If you’re in Mississippi or North Carolina or anywhere, and you’re saddened by the fact that people are judging you based on who you love, don’t lose hope. I was fired for being gay, and I know what it feels like. I lost everything. But look at me now.”
DeGeneres ended by reminding people of all the negativity and hatred already in the world and called for more love and acceptance, reminding everyone that is what we all really need.
Watch for yourself in the video here