LGBT AMERICANS OUTRAGED AT DELAY IN BASIC JOB RIGHTS

In light of continuing delays in the House of Representatives, we must state clearly and unequivocally: Passing basic job protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people must happen now. At a time when our government is deeply focused on the critical issue of employment, it is inexcusable to delay action on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Each and every job lost to prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity needlessly compounds the unemployment challenges facing our nation. We call on Congress for the immediate passage of ENDA.

For decades now, we have called upon Congress to pass legislation to address the basic right of LGBT people to work free from discrimination at our jobs, and now Congress tells us we must wait another year. In 29 states, it remains legal to fire people based on sexual orientation and in 38 states, discrimination based on gender identity remains legal. In failing to take swift action to pass ENDA, our government allows unfettered bigotry to go unchecked, leading to the loss of jobs, fear in the workplace, economic instability, and personal hardship, while allowing employers to lose competent experienced workers. ENDA is urgently needed by our communities. The majority of Americans consistently state their support for employment protections and voters have affirmed similar state and local measures. There is absolutely no reason for Congress to continue to delay this non-controversial bill or drop LGBT issues to the bottom of their agenda. We will not be denied basic rights any longer. Nothing is more important than protecting peoples’ jobs so ENDA must pass now. Further delays are absolutely unacceptable. Matthew Coles & James Esseks, Co-Directors, American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project Terry Stone, Executive Director, CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers Toni Broaddus, Executive Director, Equality Federation Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council Lee Swislow, Executive Director, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders Jarrett Tomás Barrios, President, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Joe Solmonese, President, Human Rights Campaign Rachel T. Niven, Executive Director, Immigration Equality Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, International Federation of Black Prides, Inc. Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director, Lambda Legal Christian Berle, Director, Log Cabin Republicans National Office Sharon J. Lettman, Executive Director/CEO, National Black Justice Coalition Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality Rebecca Fox, Executive Director, National Coalition for LGBT Health Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats Gregory Varnum, Executive Director, National Youth Advocacy Coalition Selisse Berry, Founding Executive Director, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates Jody Huckaby, Executive Director, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National Jo Kenny, Interim Director, Pride at Work AFL-CIO Masen Davis, Executive Director, Transgender Law Center Additional organizations may be added.