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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
isorensen@theTaskForce.org

Federal Jobs Web Site Change to Include Gender Identity is Step in Right Direction

Urges Congress to pass Employment Non-Discrimination Act

WASHINGTON

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force welcomes the Obama administration's inclusion of language on the federal jobs Web site
that explicitly bans employment discrimination based on gender
identity. While calling the action a step in the right direction, the
Task Force urges Congress to pass the federal Employment
Non-Discrimination Act.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"We are pleased by the administration's decision to modernize the
federal jobs Web site by explicitly banning employment discrimination
based on gender identity. This is an action the Task Force and other
groups have been advocating for with the Office of Personnel
Management, and it is certainly a welcome step toward eliminating
workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
individuals in federal employment.

"However, it is unacceptable that in 60 percent of the country, it
is still legal to fire someone for reasons that are unrelated to their
performance, skills and talents. So, while we are pleased by the change
to the federal jobs site, the Task Force will continue pressing
Congress to pass a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act
(ENDA) early this year. We need to pass ENDA and afford essential
employment protections under federal law so that employers across the
nation will understand that discrimination based on gender identity or
sexual orientation will not be tolerated whether it is in the private
or public sector."

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!