Feature Story from civilrights.org
Sarah Beckerman
April 25, 2007
Civil rights groups applauded the introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the House of Representatives on April 24, which will protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees from discrimination in the workplace.
"ENDA simply takes the American values of fairness and equality and seeks to place them into the law. Every individual should be able to work and contribute to society without fear that they will be discriminated against for their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression," said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-NY.
Currently, an employee can be fired legally in 33 states based on sexual orientation; the same can be done in 42 states based on a person's gender identification or expression. ENDA would extend the same employment discrimination protections currently accorded to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability.
ENDA was short one vote for passage in the Senate in 1996.
"Time and again Congress has chosen the moral high ground by pursuing issues of justice and fairness over injustice and bigotry. The time has come to take the next important step in our ongoing battle against discrimination," said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
ENDA's provisions are similar to practices already seen at 87 percent of Fortune 500 companies. Not only is this bill considered by many to be a question of "elementary fairness", as Rep. Nadler said, but many supporters also see it as creating vast economic benefits as well.
"Having a corporate culture that embraces diversity improves the productivity of our associates, helps the company recruit the best talent and makes Nationwide more competitive in the insurance and financial services industry," said Steven Keyes, vice president for compensation, benefits and human resources policy at Nationwide.
ENDA also enjoys support from members in the religious community. "No one deserves discrimination or the pain of having to conceal their identity," said Rev. Denis W. Wiley.
Civil rights groups are calling for support of the ENDA at a time where, according to the Gallup Organization, 86 percent of Americans believe gays and lesbians should enjoy equal rights in terms of job opportunities.
"By passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, we will simply be adding another proud chapter to the amazing American story of opportunity," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.
"This [bill] is a protection against discrimination that has been tried in a number of states, beginning in Wisconsin more than 20 years ago, and it has worked extremely well," said Rep. Barney Frank, D. Mass. "It has caused none of the problems that opponents inaccurately claimed it would and it has provided job protection for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who ask simply to be allowed to do their jobs and be judged on job performance."
The bill is expected to go to the House floor for a vote in the next couple of months.
