Employment Non-Discrimination Act

It is currently legal in 31 states (under state law) to fire an employee based on sexual orientation; it is legal in 39 states to fire an employee based on gender identity. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), H.R. 2015, would extend fair employment practices under federal law to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. It is based
on the principle that every worker should be judged on merit and job performance, not identity.

HR 2015 prohibits discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in most workplaces. It does not apply to small businesses, most religious organizations, or the military, and does not require employers to provide benefits to same-sex partners.

The 2007 UUA General Assembly passed a statement calling "upon all member congregations and individual Unitarian Universalists" to "support passage of employment non-discrimination legislation at all municipal, county and state levels;" and "oppose attempts to remove sexual
orientation and/or gender identity any proposed employment non-discrimination legislation."

Unfortunately, a version of ENDA which does NOT include gender identity--H.R. 3685- was expected to come up for a vote in the House on Wednesday, October 24th. Based on the 2007 General Assembly resolution, and the opposition of more than 300 groups from the bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender community, the UUA opposes the non-inclusive ENDA. We must stand together in support of an all-inclusive ENDA.

Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) plans to introduce an amendment which would restore the original gender identity protections. The UUA strongly supports this amendment. If it fails, the Association will oppose the overall bill. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to do the same. Take action! Show your support for the entire BGLT community and call for an inclusive ENDA!

Print a call-in flyer to distribute to your church:
http://www.uua.org/documents/washingtonoffice/edna_callinday_flyer.pdf

Send an email to your representative:
http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/UUA/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=11342

Visit our take action page for other options:
http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/issues/employmentnon-discrimination/32253.shtml

Your call or email to your representative could be the difference in a
yes or no vote for transgender inclusion. Please take the time for one
last final push to add transgender inclusion to the H.R. 3685 bill. Your
support and dedication to this issue does not go unheard.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me.

Grace

Grace Garner
Legislative Assistant for Women's Issues
UUWF Clara Barton Internship
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
Washington Office for Advocacy
1320 18th Street NW, Suite 300B
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-4672
(202) 296-4673 fax
ggarner@uua.org