Task Force: ENDA ‘reflects core U.S. value of fairness’

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds today's Senate introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would protect against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The measure was introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). The House version was introduced in late June.

The Task Force was the first national organisation to advocate for federal nondiscrimination protections when it worked with then-U.S. Reps. Bella Abzug and Ed Koch to introduce a sweeping bill in 1974. The Task Force has also played a leading role in ensuring ENDA is explicitly inclusive of transgender people. The Task Force vowed a decade ago to oppose the legislation if it did not include protections based on gender identity. Learn more about the Task Force’s long history working on this issue.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

“ENDA reflects the core U.S. values of fairness and ensuring everyone is allowed to participate on a level playing field in the workplace. People recognise that our nation as a whole benefits when everyone is allowed to contribute their talents and skills, free from discrimination, which is all ENDA seeks to do.

“For decades, a majority has supported protecting their friends, family and neighbours from such discrimination. They know it’s wrong to deprive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of the ability to earn a livelihood and provide for their families simply because of who they are. We are on the cusp of seeing those dark days come to an end, and today’s introduction marks an important step in that direction.

“We thank Sens. Jeff Merkley, Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and Edward Kennedy for serving as Senate co-sponsors, and all the senators who have already singled support for this critical legislation. We are also pleased that President Obama has expressed support for ENDA and expect the administration to play a role in assisting with its swift passage in both the House and Senate.”