Sign the Petition: end workplace discrimination!
Since the Stonewall Riots more than 40 years ago, June has been an important month in the struggle for equality for LGBT Americans.
This Pride Month, we have a lot to celebrate. Here in Oregon, loving, committed same-sex couples are finally able to get married. Across the country, the legal foundation for marriage discrimination is crumbling. And importantly, old prejudices and stereotypes are gradually giving way to a more accepting culture.
We’ve made enormous progress – but there is still more work to do. At the top of the list is ending discrimination in the workplace.
Despite all the progress we’ve made, there is still no federal law protecting LGBT Americans from being fired or otherwise discriminated against in the workplace because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Oregonians are protected under the Oregon Equality Act – a law I was proud to help pass in Salem in 2007 – but in 29 states across the country it’s still legal for employers to discriminate.
Last year the U.S. Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill authored by our own Senator Jeff Merkley. ENDA passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support; now it’s time for the House to do the same.
Once law, ENDA will finally extend to all Americans the basic protection against being fired or discriminated against in the workplace because of who they are and who they love.
ENDA has broad bipartisan support in the Congress and across the country – Mr. Speaker, please bring it to a vote!
Thank you for your support.
