So, the HRC blog (www.hrcbackstory.org) has announced that ENDA has passed in the House and moved on to the Senate. It seems ENDA has never made it this far before? If ENDA passes the Senate (WHEN—let’s be optimistic here), the two chambers will compare notes (in case one group amends it a different way than the other) and then send it off to the President. President Obama has promised to sign this bill into law if it reaches his desk, so, here’s hoping!
The blog includes some great quotes from the senators sponsoring the bill, including:
“There is no place in the workplace for employment discrimination. No worker in America should be fired or denied a job based on who they are.” Senator Merkley (D-OR), who also intends to “guarantee every America, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, the right to earn a living.”
“The promise of America will never be fulfilled as long as justice is denied to even one among us. ENDA brings us closer to fulfilling that promise…” Senator Kennedy (D-MA).
“… ENDA would close an important gap in federal civil rights laws by making it illegal to discriminate in employment.” Senator Collins (R-ME), who also acknowledges that ENDA “affirms the principle that individuals should be judged on their skills and abilities, and not by who they are” when it comes to work.
There is no quote listed by Olympia Snowe (R-ME), but she is the fourth sponsor of ENDA in the Senate.
I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about HRC in the transgender community, and a lot of hard feelings as well, but regardless of what they’ve done in the past, they are working to help the community now. The HRC can be a great resource at times, and the HRC blog offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the ongoing, many-faceted fight for equality for all queer people.
HRC offers more information and stats on ENDA (did you know that it’s legal to fire someone for being gay in 29 states, and legal to fire someone for being trans in almost 40 out of 50??), and also offers a quick-and-easy way to contact your Senators and ask them for help. Just go to www.PassENDANow.org and enter your name and address. Personalizing your message is optional, and HRC will sort out which senators should get your message for you. It takes literally ten seconds—I’ve done it already, and you can too!
2 comments:
Transgender people have everyone presently line up in support and a huge active allied advocacy working for passage of ENDA. Now we got to get off our butts and work. In 2007 and a good portion I protested HRC for abandoning us.
They are fully in our corner today. Maybe they have been given the opportunity to change and have decided it is all of us in the boat and we all are going to sink or swim together.
I have a widget on my blog that asks people to sign the HRC originated petition.
True that! While it may not be easy to forget the recent past of ENDA, it is probably for the best to forgive and work together whenever we can. The more allies we have, the stronger we are, and the better equipped to continue 'fighting the good fight'! I think the widget is a great idea. Thanks for your comments!
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