Lambda Legal Calls for Swift Passage of Inclusive ENDA

(New York, June 24, 2009) — With the introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) today, Lambda Legal issued the following statement from Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal:

"With an inclusive ENDA now introduced, Congress should act swiftly to pass this law to ensure workplace equality for our entire community. We thank Representative Barney Frank for introducing the bill and Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis, and many others, for co-sponsoring it. 

"Typically, workplace discrimination is the number one complaint among people seeking assistance from our Legal Help Desk. Workplace equality has been a top priority for all of Lambda Legal's 36-year history.

"Despite the fact that the majority of Americans favor equal rights for lesbians and gay men with regard to job opportunities, only 20 states plus the District of Columbia specifically ban workplace discrimination in the private sector based on sexual orientation and only 13 states plus D.C. expressly ban discrimination based on gender identity. ENDA would ensure that in most workplaces a person's qualifications and job performance, rather than sexual orientation or gender identity, will be the factors that determine success on the job. Fairness and equal opportunity in employment are fundamental American principles and they should apply to all Americans.

"ENDA would provide a powerful tool for Lambda Legal to do what it does best: work through the courts to ensure equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people across the country. We call on Congress to enact ENDA quickly to end discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity."

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Erin Baer 212-809-8585 ext. 267; Email: ebaer@lambdalegal.org   

Lisa Hardaway 212-809-8585 ext. 266; Email: lhardaway@lambdalegal.org