Lambda Legal Applauds Introduction of the Employment Non-discrimination Act in Congress

(Washington, D.C., March 30, 2011)—Today after Rep. Barney Frank introduced the Employment Non-discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill that would prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, Lambda Legal issued the following statement from Executive Director, Kevin Cathcart:

"With ENDA now re-introduced, it is time for Congress to make good on its promise to focus on the top priority of all Americans—good jobs and economic security. Especially in this economy, everyone can understand the concerns of LGBT Americans who face discrimination in employment without a clear federal law that prohibits it. It is long past time to address this inequality and pass a law the provides fairness for workers without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. We thank Representative Barney Frank for introducing the bill.

"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 38-year history.

"Despite the fact that the majority of Americans favor workplace protections for LGBT people, 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 and end discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity."

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