This Labor Day Support LGBT Worker Rights
posted by: Steve Williams 155 days ago
This Labor Day there are things to be thankful for, even in the midst of the economic downturn. In fact, if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) there is one specific item to appreciate this Labor Day: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that currently resides in both the House and the Senate.
Why? Because it could mean the difference between getting that all important job, or being passed over because of your sexuality or gender identity.
What does the act do? ENDA seeks to add sexual orientation and perceived or actual gender identity to the list of classes that are currently protected under federal law. The list currently includes: race, religion, national origin, gender and disability.
For comprehensive information on ENDA, please click here.
ENDA takes into account the personal beliefs of religious institutions and does not force them to hire against their principles – for instance it does not make them hire a person who's sexuality they deem to be incompatible with the religious ethos of the institution that they represent. Businesses with fewer than fifteen employees are also exempt, as is the military.
In 31 states it is legal to fire someone because of their sexuality.
In 39 states it is legal to fire someone for being transgender.
For a full list of states, districts and companies that currently offer LGBT worker protections, click here.
As you can see, the number of states that currently offer protection for America's LGBT workforce is relatively few. That is why supporting ENDA legislation is so important, especially during volatile economic periods.
Most recently, a story surfaced of a woman from Pennsylvania who was asked for a picture of her genitalia so that she could return to a job that she worked perfectly well in before it was made known that she was transgender.
This is just one story among literally thousands of incidents of discrimination against LGBTs in the workplace. Make no mistake, it does happen, it is happening and it can ruin lives. People reading this may know how hard it is to get a job today. Imagine if your were LGBT and facing the extra hurdle of employment discrimination possibly cropping up at every interview you attend.
But the Employment Non-Discrimination Act can change all that.
The recently deceased Senator Edward Kennedy had always been such a vocal advocate for ENDA, and had helped to introduce the legislation in Congress year after year. With his sad death, their is a space created, a rallying call lost in the fight for employment non-discrimination. Who will advocate for ENDA now that he is gone, especially in a year when its chances of passing are better than they have ever been?
In 2007 Senator Kennedy released a statement on ENDA, saying:
"This nation was founded on the principle of equal justice for all. That noble goal represents the best in America – that everyone should be treated fairly and should have the chance to benefit from the many opportunities of this country...
Civil rights is still the nation’s unfinished business. Today, it’s perfectly legal in most states to fire an employee because of sexual orientation or gender identity. Many hard-working Americans live every day with the knowledge that, no matter what their talents and abilities, they can be denied a job simply because of who they are. "
This Labor Day sign the Care2 petition lending your support to ENDA, and make sure that this important piece of legislation does not get lost in committee after committee.
Finally, you can track ENDA's progress through Congress by clicking here and entering the phrase "Employment Non-Discrimination Act" into the search box.
Why? Because it could mean the difference between getting that all important job, or being passed over because of your sexuality or gender identity.
What does the act do? ENDA seeks to add sexual orientation and perceived or actual gender identity to the list of classes that are currently protected under federal law. The list currently includes: race, religion, national origin, gender and disability.
For comprehensive information on ENDA, please click here.
ENDA takes into account the personal beliefs of religious institutions and does not force them to hire against their principles – for instance it does not make them hire a person who's sexuality they deem to be incompatible with the religious ethos of the institution that they represent. Businesses with fewer than fifteen employees are also exempt, as is the military.
In 31 states it is legal to fire someone because of their sexuality.
In 39 states it is legal to fire someone for being transgender.
For a full list of states, districts and companies that currently offer LGBT worker protections, click here.
As you can see, the number of states that currently offer protection for America's LGBT workforce is relatively few. That is why supporting ENDA legislation is so important, especially during volatile economic periods.
Most recently, a story surfaced of a woman from Pennsylvania who was asked for a picture of her genitalia so that she could return to a job that she worked perfectly well in before it was made known that she was transgender.
This is just one story among literally thousands of incidents of discrimination against LGBTs in the workplace. Make no mistake, it does happen, it is happening and it can ruin lives. People reading this may know how hard it is to get a job today. Imagine if your were LGBT and facing the extra hurdle of employment discrimination possibly cropping up at every interview you attend.
But the Employment Non-Discrimination Act can change all that.
The recently deceased Senator Edward Kennedy had always been such a vocal advocate for ENDA, and had helped to introduce the legislation in Congress year after year. With his sad death, their is a space created, a rallying call lost in the fight for employment non-discrimination. Who will advocate for ENDA now that he is gone, especially in a year when its chances of passing are better than they have ever been?
In 2007 Senator Kennedy released a statement on ENDA, saying:
"This nation was founded on the principle of equal justice for all. That noble goal represents the best in America – that everyone should be treated fairly and should have the chance to benefit from the many opportunities of this country...
Civil rights is still the nation’s unfinished business. Today, it’s perfectly legal in most states to fire an employee because of sexual orientation or gender identity. Many hard-working Americans live every day with the knowledge that, no matter what their talents and abilities, they can be denied a job simply because of who they are. "
This Labor Day sign the Care2 petition lending your support to ENDA, and make sure that this important piece of legislation does not get lost in committee after committee.
Finally, you can track ENDA's progress through Congress by clicking here and entering the phrase "Employment Non-Discrimination Act" into the search box.
Read more: civil rights, Enda, gay rights, lgbt rights, employment non-discrimination act, labor day
comments
I strongly support ENDA, I hate hiring discrimination of any kind
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
As someone mentioned gender shouldn't have to do anithing with your job people who fire LGBT people should be punished in a way and they are the ones who should be fired and i do support ENDA strongly
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks so much as always, Steve, for your excellent article on this salient topic. I am an out bi woman, and how well I know the sudden onset of "sterile hugs" and weird looks when homophobic types learn of my orientation. (It's almost funny when new straight women friends, for example, suddenly begin to give me those "stand-back & don't catch it"/sterile, "don't let the bi woman touch your breasts with a hug," whatever kind of 'friendly hugs'!!! :D Well, it would be funny if it didn't represent a daily-life form of miniature emotional blood-letting. When it comes to discrimination on the job, particularly in these tough economic times, the situation is so much worse: homophobia on the job basically means that homophobes believe it's fine for LGBTs to lose their jobs, lose their shelter, become homeless, and starve to death. THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS.
STAND UP FOR LOVE AND JUSTICE - ENDA IS ONLY A 'BABY STEP' - BUT ONE THAT MUST BE TAKEN!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Gender should have nothing to do about anything,As long as you do your Job well.I think that the people that are haveing troble with this deal should loose there Job themselves,Thank's,Allan.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Unless if the person's a serial killer or dangerous sex offender, it shouldn't matter if a person is LGBT, a different race or faith or gender. People need jobs, if you don't have a job you can't get by in life. The businesses should just be glad they have people who are willing to work for them and everyone else.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Diane, you are absolutely right! Gender identity and sexual orientation should not determine if one is hired or fired - however, and I am sure you are aware, these aspects of identity do play a role in how people are perceived. So, I support ENDA, as it bolsters the promise of what America is aiming to be, a country that embraces and supports it's diversity.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Gender and sexual orientation should play no role in the workplace. If an individual can perform a job, they should be given the opportunity to do so without discrimination or harassment of any kind.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
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Photo used under the Creative Commons Attribution License, with thanks to Essygie.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
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