Disappointed Gender Identity Not Included
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette
(D-CO) today voted to support H.R. 3685, the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which passed on a vote of 235 to 184.
This bipartisan bill makes it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or
otherwise discriminate against employees simply based on their sexual
orientation.
“I am a proud co-sponsor of the original Employment Non-Discrimination Act that included gender identity,” said DeGette. “I supported this bill since no one should be discriminated against because of who they are. However, I cast my vote today with deep regret the transgendered community has been denied these protections. While I am committed to extending equality in employment to gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals, I will not rest until we also include transgendered Americans.”
ENDA prohibits employers, employment agencies and labor unions from using an individual’s sexual orientation as the basis for employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotion or compensation. In 30 states, it is legal to fire someone simply because of his or her sexual orientation. A May 2007 Gallup poll found that nearly 90 percent of Americans support equal treatment for gays and lesbians when it comes to employment opportunities.
“I am a proud co-sponsor of the original Employment Non-Discrimination Act that included gender identity,” said DeGette. “I supported this bill since no one should be discriminated against because of who they are. However, I cast my vote today with deep regret the transgendered community has been denied these protections. While I am committed to extending equality in employment to gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals, I will not rest until we also include transgendered Americans.”
ENDA prohibits employers, employment agencies and labor unions from using an individual’s sexual orientation as the basis for employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotion or compensation. In 30 states, it is legal to fire someone simply because of his or her sexual orientation. A May 2007 Gallup poll found that nearly 90 percent of Americans support equal treatment for gays and lesbians when it comes to employment opportunities.
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