Today, we came one step closer to passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA – H.R. 3017). The House Education and Labor Committee held a full committee hearing on this bill, about the importance of protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees from workplace discrimination. It was refreshing to hear lawmakers who are supportive of this bill in Illinois and throughout the country, but also disheartening to hear the testimony of individuals who have faced discrimination such as getting fired for being LGBT.
According to numerous surveys, 60 percent of likely voters in the United States support a federal employment non-discrimination law that protects workers from discrimination based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. [It is important to note that many labor unions have protections in their contracts which include LGBT workers, and many U.S. corporations also have workplace non-discrimination policies in place and support ENDA.]
Since a majority of Americans support this bill, we have to be the ones to put pressure on the lawmakers to pass it. This bill is now squarely pending before our nation’s lawmakers, and we need to be vocal and visible about our support! Congress must hear from every one of us – to say thank you for cosponsoring the bill or asking the Congressperson to support it. They have to feel the urgency from us as their constituents.
Workplace discrimination is a real problem that affects real people. LGBT employees work just as hard and contribute just as much as other workers, and should not have to fear losing their job because of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Congress must hear from you that ENDA is a priority, that you want it, and that you need it. If you haven’t contacted your Representative and your two Senators, http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml. If you already have, please do it again. It is up to all who care about equality to pass this bill. ENDA’s time is right now.
