Kucinich: Discrimination Against Any Member Of The LGBT Community Is Un-American
Washington,
Oct 18, 2007 -
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), the only Member of Congress from the state of Ohio on the Education and Labor Committee, spoke out against the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), that was voted on in committee today. Kucinich voted against the bill in committee to object to the exclusion of the transgendered community from the legislation.
“The Declaration of Independence says:
‘We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’
“When you listen to these words, when they said men at that time, we know today that it doesn't just mean men. We know that it doesn’t just mean white people. We know that it doesn't just mean straight people. That it means all people.
“And so today when we’re confronted with this legislation, we should be mindful that discrimination of any kind is un-American and should not be tolerated. I stand with the principles of the LGBT community to defend against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Harassment, intimidation and discrimination of anyone in the workplace is unconscionable and it is un-American. All employment decisions should be based on individual performance and not on sexual orientation, perceived gender or transgendered status.
“So we have to stand firm, I believe, with all Americans in recognition that discrimination against any member of the LGBT community is discrimination against the entire community. Presentation or expression of oneself in everyday life is a fundamental human right.”
