President Biden's assertion that same-sex couples could be legally married yet denied service at a restaurant has been evaluated by PolitiFact as "mostly true." This statement, initially made in December and reiterated during a White House Pride event in June, sparked considerable debate. Biden highlighted the disparity between federal protection for same-sex marriage and the lack of nationwide anti-discrimination laws covering services like dining.
PolitiFact's assessment hinges on the absence of anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation in 22 states. While same-sex marriage is federally protected, businesses in these states can legally refuse service to LGBTQ+ individuals. Although the frequency of such discrimination remains unclear, PolitiFact notes its legality in almost half of the U.S. states, citing news reports of such incidents as recently as 2021. The fact-check acknowledges a decline in these instances, but emphasizes the lack of comprehensive data on LGBTQ+ discrimination in public spaces. PolitiFact concluded that Biden's claim, while needing clarification, is fundamentally accurate.
During the Pride event, Biden also praised the LGBTQ+ community as "bravest and most inspiring," commending their influence on the nation and the world.
