August, 05 2009, 04:46pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Inga Sarda-Sorensen, Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463 (Cell) 202.641.5592
isorensen@theTaskForce.org
Task Force: ENDA 'Reflects Core US Value of Fairness'
"People recognize that our nation as a whole benefits when everyone is allowed to contribute their talents and skills, free from discrimination, which is all ENDA seeks to do."
WASHINGTON
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds today's
Senate introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA),
which would protect against workplace discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity. The measure was introduced by Sens.
Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). The House version was introduced in late
June.
The Task Force was the first national organization to advocate for
federal nondiscrimination protections when it worked with then-U.S.
Reps. Bella Abzug and Ed Koch to introduce a sweeping bill in 1974. The
Task Force has also played a leading role in ensuring ENDA is
explicitly inclusive of transgender people. The Task Force vowed a
decade ago to oppose the legislation if it did not include protections
based on gender identity. Learn more about the Task Force's long history working on this issue.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
"ENDA reflects the core U.S. values of fairness and ensuring
everyone is allowed to participate on a level playing field in the
workplace. People recognize that our nation as a whole benefits when
everyone is allowed to contribute their talents and skills, free from
discrimination, which is all ENDA seeks to do.
"For decades, a majority has supported protecting their friends,
family and neighbors from such discrimination. They know it's wrong to
deprive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of the ability to
earn a livelihood and provide for their families simply because of who
they are. We are on the cusp of seeing those dark days come to an end,
and today's introduction marks an important step in that direction.
"We thank Sens. Jeff Merkley, Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and
Edward Kennedy for serving as Senate co-sponsors, and all the senators
who have already signaled support for this critical legislation. We are
also pleased that President Obama has expressed support for ENDA and
expect the administration to play a role in assisting with its swift
passage in both the House and Senate."
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!
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