Idea of the Day: We Need to Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

July 19, 2011

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/ideas/2011/07/071911.html

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would make it illegal under federal law to discriminate in any aspect of employment based on someone's actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. It also protects workers from discrimination because of associating with other workers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and protects all workers from retaliation if they complain about sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination.

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A History of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
It's Past Time to Pass This Law

By Jerome Hunt | July 19, 2011

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/07/enda_history.html

The gay and transgender community made significant progress over the past year in the fight for equality. Congress voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." President Barack Obama and his administration determined the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. And New York recently passed a law with bipartisan support that will allow loving gay and lesbian couples to marry. But another important issue—ending workplace discrimination—remains outside of the media and public's attention despite the fact that gay and transgender employees are fired, not hired, and harassed on the job at alarmingly high rates.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would make it illegal under federal law to discriminate in any aspect of employment based on someone's actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. It also protects workers from discrimination because of associating with other workers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and protects all workers from retaliation if they complain about sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination.

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Gay and Transgender Discrimination Outside the Workplace
Why We Need Protections in Housing, Health Care, and Public Accommodations

By Crosby Burns, Philip Ross | July 19, 2011

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/07/lgbt_discrimination.html

Many people know that gay and transgender individuals experience high rates of discrimination and harassment in the workplace. They know, for example, that many Americans are being judged not on the quality of their work but on irrelevant characteristics such as sexual orientation and gender identity. Activists and lawmakers have long advocated for laws such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, that would protect gay and transgender workers from senseless discrimination on the job. But gay and transgender Americans continue to experience discrimination in all spheres of life—not just the workplace.

The only issue that I can see with this is that religious employers should be excluded.  I mean, there are a lot of non-homophobic christians out there who simply believe it's against their morals for that kind of stuff.  While I may not fully agree, I'd give them some freedom of choice on the matter.

But for the vast majority of employers, this is honestly a must have bill.