ENDA would protect against workplace discrimination based on gender identity

Representative Barney Frank (D-MASS) introduced a new bill extending federal law prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Frank and 118 co-sponsors announced the fully-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) calls “a vital step towards employment equality for all Americans.”

â┚¬Å”Day after day, we hear from transgender people who have lost their jobs for no other reason than plain and simple discrimination. This includes people who have had long and distinguished careers who, after they transition, suddenly find themselves unable to find meaningful work and young transgender people who are unable to get their first job,” said NCTE's Executive Director, Mara Keisling. “The Employment Non-Discrimination Act will be an important step in helping these folks get to work. When asked, Americans are consistently clear on the fact that we believe that people should be judged at work for the quality of their work, not on unrelated factors. This bill would bring the law into line with what Americans already knowâ┚¬â€prejudice has no place in the American workplace.â┚¬Â

The NCTE has been working for this bill from its inception in 2003.

â┚¬Å”Today marks a critical milestone for our community and our country. Introduction of this important legislation signals the beginning of the end of a long-fought battle. For decades, a majority of people in this country have supported protecting their friends, family and neighbors from discrimination. Congress must act, at long last, this year.,” said Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund. â┚¬Å”Passage of this critical legislation would help ensure that people are allowed to participate on a level-playing field in the workplace. ENDA reflects our country's core values of fairness and equality. It is immoral to deny lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people the ability to earn a livelihood and provide for their families. People should not have to fear losing their job simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

According to Carey, President Obama has expressed support for this legislation.

NCTE is calling on its members to be actively involved in passing the bill, including visiting their members of Congress during the summer.