Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is disappointed by federal lawmakers’ delay in passing legislation that would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans from workplace discrimination.
It appears unclear when members of Congress will vote on the fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, stalling laws that would protect LGBT Americans from sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in the workplace.
“We are deeply disappointed that federal leaders have not yet moved on approving ENDA,” said Out & Equal Founding Executive Director Selisse Berry. “For far too long, millions of LGBT Americans have faced discrimination, harassment and even termination from work, and I encourage everyone to contact their Congressional delegates, telling them their stories and making sure they hear our voices.”
At this point, it remains legal in 29 states to fire people based on sexual orientation and in 38 states, discrimination based on gender identity remains legal. In fact, the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Survey, released in October, shows that workplace discrimination persists, with 44 percent of respondents indicating they have faced discrimination on the job.
In the absence of federal legislation, Out & Equal has worked for more than a decade to assure that the world’s leading corporations provide domestic partnership benefits, equal employment opportunity policies and a number of other protections for their LGBT workforce.
“Together, we can encourage members of Congress to move quickly on ENDA, and together, we can guarantee that other LGBT Americans no longer face the type of discrimination and harassment in the workplace that has persisted for far too long in this country,” said Berry.
What you can do.
You can help get this bill moving. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121. Provide your zip code and ask to be connected to your representative, and let them know that people in their district want ENDA passed this year.
Press Release – December 4, 2009 – Out and Equal website
