Prominent Policy
It's that time of year again...the temperature has started to drop, the apples on the trees are ready to be picked, and oh yes, members of Congress are back from their month-long summer break and ready to tackle some important issues (we hope). While we are debating whether or not it is time to take out our long underwear, members of Congress are discussing matters such as healthcare reform, foreign policy, environmental safety, and civil rights.
One significant bill up for deliberation is the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The bill was reintroduced, in June of this year, by Barney Frank (D-MA) in an effort to ban workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Currently there is no federal law that consistently protects LGBTQ individuals from employment discrimination. However, there are 12 states which include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination laws (Vermont is one of them).
What will we gain by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the federal Employment Non-Discrimination law? When these terms are added individuals that identify as LGBT will be afforded the federal employment discrimination protections currently provided based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability. Public and private employers, employment agencies and labor unions will be prohibited from using a person's sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotion, or compensation.
Sounds great, doesn't it? However, if you know a thing or two about the tactics of lawmaking then you probably suspect there are some things this bill will not include. The new and improved federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act would not apply to businesses with fewer than 15 employees, religious organizations, or uniformed members of the armed forces (i.e. there is still work to be done).
Adding both sexual orientation and gender identity to the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act is a crucial step in advancing civil rights for all individuals, and it is imperative that we keep ENDA inclusive. Representative Peter Welch (D-VT) is a co-sponsor of the House version of ENDA, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) are co-sponsors for the Senate version. We urge you to contact these members of Congress to thank them for their hard work and let them know how important this law is to you!
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