This article on the Huff Post caught my attention. Employment Non-Discrimination Act 2013:The 'T' in LGBT Protections.As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) has be introduced into the congress...again. In its earlier forms, ENDA did not include transgendered people in its protection. Why? As Rep. Barney Frank was quoted in the above article: "There is more resistance to protection for people who are transgender than for people who are gay, lesbian and bisexual," Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said in a statement at the time. "This is not a good fact, but ignoring bad facts is a bad way to get legislation passed."
The 2013 bill includes transgendered people. As you can see from the graphic, only sixteen states provide employment protection for transgendered people. It is time to contact your Senators and Congressmen and express support for the inclusive bill.
No one should fear for his or her job because he or she is transgendered. Or gay or lesbian or Bi-sexual. This is an issue of discrimination and of justice. Click on the article or on the link below the graphic to learn more. Read More
THE SCALLOP: Reflections on the Journey
The "T" in LGBT and ENDA
Employment Non-Discrimination Act
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 New International Version (NIV)
Today the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was re-introduced into both the Senate and the House of Representatives by members of both Democratic and Republican parties. This legislation, which has been introduced a number of times since 1990, prohibits employers from using gender identity or sexual orientation as criteria for hiring (or firing) employees. The bill exempts small businesses with fewer than fifteen employees and religious organizations.
When I spoke to people about this bill in the past, many expressed surprise that it was needed. They assumed that no one could be refused employment or be fired on the basis of sexual orientation. Not as many were aware of gender identity issues period, let alone the lack of protection for transsexuals. At the moment, twenty-one states plus D.C. have laws similar to ENDA. Sixteen include protection for transgendered individuals. Read More