Click here to join the Business Coalition for Workplace Equality
The Issue:
Workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression occurs with no legal remedy. It is still legal to fire someone based on their sexual orientation in 33 states. In 42 states, it is legal to do so based on gender identity. State courts, commissions or agencies have interpreted the existing state law to include some protection against transgender individuals in Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.
The Time Has Come - Take Action on ENDA Now!
Senator Jeff Merkley (D - Oregon) introduced ENDA in the Senate (S. 1584) on August 5th, 2009 with thirty eight co-sponsors including Senator Edward Kennedy (D - Massachusetts), Senator Olympia Snowe (R - Maine) and Senator Susan Collins (R - Maine).
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which was originally planned for a vote in the House of Representatives in September or October of this year, then November, is now expected to be voted on in February 2010. This timing is particularly problematic because it would put ENDA into the Senate at a very difficult time for most Senators: a major legislative logjam, a major jobs initiative, midterm election campaigns, and a promised Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal.
A powerful piece of legislation that will prohibit workplace discrimination based on an employee's sexual orientation or gender identity under federal law, ENDA is necessary because it is still legal to fire a person based on sexual orientation in 29 states, and in 38 states based on gender identity.
The House Committee on Education and Labor is responsible for moving ENDA out of committee and onto the floor of the House of Representatives. Committee Chairman George Miller of California has stated that the bill is being held to vet language that has been vetted and approved for years. Call Chairman Miller's office and encourage him to take immediate action on ENDA. His office can be reached at 202-225-3725.
Take further action by joining the NGLCC/Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for Workplace Equality. Your name will be added to the likes of IBM, Goldman Sachs, Inc. and Xerox.
The NGLCC has once again partnered with the Human Rights Campaign on the Business Coalition for Workplace Fairness, which encourages the support of the business community – from institutions large and small - for ENDA. Those interested in joining the coalition should contact Chief of Staff Kate Karasmeighan (kkarasmeighan@nglcc.org, 202-234-9181) for details.
Members of the 111th Congress should support Employment Non-Discrimination legislation inclusive of gender identity and expression.
NGLCC and the Issue:
Since 2004 the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has raised its voice along with the chorus of other LGBT rights organizations in favor of the inclusion of gender identity and expression in any legislation that is passed. The NGLCC is working with champions in Congress, the private sector and other LGBT organizations to build support for ENDA that includes and protects all members of the LGBT community.
Click here for draft text to send to Congress
Click here to see if your Representative is already a supporter of ENDA
