Washington,
Nov 7, 2007 -
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) voted to extend basic civil rights protections to millions of gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans today, continuing his long tradition of championing equality for all.
“This civil rights legislation has been a long time in the making. It is Congress’ responsibility to strengthen its efforts to create the same rights for transgender people,” Kucinich said.
Kucinich objected strongly that transgender people were kept out of the law. He opposed the bill when it was up for a vote in the Education and Labor Committee because it did not include the language to provide protections to transgender people. Kucinich has repeatedly expressed concerns that rights of transgendered persons be protected and will soon be meeting with groups to secure the rights of the transgender community as well.
“The principles behind the original draft of ENDA sought to embrace the fullness of a community which has experienced significant undermining of rights in the workplace. 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 transgender status.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which passed the House by a vote of 235-184, makes it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against employees simply based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
“Today, Members of the House demonstrated the degree to which we are truly committed to the unfolding of Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process and equal protection of the law,” Kucinich said.
“People who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender are entitled to the full and equal protection of employment laws. Imagine that we who took an oath to defend the Constitution would somehow separate some people from the claims of justice, from the claims of Constitutional protection.
“To be an American means standing for those Constitutional principles and understanding that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are something that everyone should have access to, regardless of sexual orientation.”
