It Is Time to Pass ENDA

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was reintroduced yesterday in the U.S. Senate.  Two Democrats – Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) – along with two Republicans – Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) – are named as the lead cosponsors, the first time the bill has had bipartisan lead sponsors in the Senate.

This bill, which would extend existing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, is much needed and long overdue.  AFSCME is a longtime supporter of the bill.

“Throughout our long history, Americans have fought to break down the barriers that deny opportunity and equality to our fellow citizens. Through civil rights legislation and constitutional amendments, we have worked to ensure that equal justice under law would be a standard for all who work and live in the United States. The passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) will write a new and important chapter in this proud story.” – AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee

Sen. Kennedy issued a statement saying:“The promise of America will never be fulfilled as long as justice is denied to even one among us. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act brings us closer to fulfilling that promise for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender citizens.”

Senator Collins commented: “Similar to the current law in several states, including Maine, and the policies of many Fortune 500 companies, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act would close an important gap in federal civil rights laws by making it illegal to discriminate in employment. I am pleased to join Senators Merkley, Kennedy and Snowe in introducing this important legislation which affirms the principle that individuals should be judged on their skills and abilities, and not by who they are.”

Pride at Work, the voice of the LGBT community in the labor movement, is encouraging union members to contact your senators to urge them to cosponsor this important legislation. You can send an email to your senators by clicking on this link:http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/ENDA09_Senate