ENDA: Aim Higher

In 2007, the United States House of Representatives passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), in a 235-184 vote, providing federal workplace protections for gays and lesbians, but not transgender people.

On October 4, Lambda Legal issued a statement in response to the vote. Executive Director Kevin Cathcart said:

“Last night, the House passed a narrowed down version of ENDA — a moment that was both historic and for many of us disappointing. The vote was one step in a long struggle that started decades ago in Congress. There are many steps still to go, including passage by the Senate and signature by the president before any version of ENDA can become law. Today, we are looking ahead and ready to continue to work for a stronger, fully inclusive ENDA that will protect all LGBT people against employment discrimination. We have been inspired by the activism and enormous dedication of so many people and organizations that stood up and spoke out about equality. At Lambda Legal, we provided our legal expertise and analysis about the strengths and weaknesses of both versions of the bill, and we will continue to help shape a law that will work. It has taken years of education and advocacy to reach this point in history. We are closer than ever to passing a strong inclusive ENDA into law — we cannot lose heart now, and we cannot leave anyone behind.”

What We Need In ENDA:

• Restore protections for gender identity and expression
• Restore limits on the religious exemption
• Allow state and local governments to require employers to provide domestic partner benefits

Additional Resources:

• Analysis of H.B. 3685 (PDF): Jon Davidson, Legal Director
• October 4, 2007 Open Letter to Rep. Barney Frank (PDF)
• There Ought to Be a Law: True stories of workplace discrimination