Here in the United States, we’re united by a fundamental principle: we’re all created equal and every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law. We believe that no matter who you are, if you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve the chance to follow your dreams and pursue your happiness. That’s America’s promise.
That’s why, for instance, Americans can’t be fired from their jobs just because of the color of their skin or for being Christian or Jewish or a woman or an individual with a disability. That kind of discrimination has no place in our nation. And yet, right now, in 2013, in many states a person can be fired simply for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
As a result, millions of LGBT Americans go to work every day fearing that, without any warning, they could lose their jobs — not because of anything they’ve done, but simply because of who they are.
It’s offensive. It’s wrong. And it needs to stop, because in the United States of America, who you are and who you love should never be a fireable offense.
That’s why Congress needs to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, also known as ENDA, which would provide strong federal protections against discrimination, making it explicitly illegal to fire someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill has strong bipartisan support and the support of a vast majority of Americans. It ought to be the law of the land.”
— President Obama in an op-ed published on Huffington Post
Harley
As if an employer can’t find any number of other excuses to fire someone.
dirknerd
Having federal laws is great but that does not stop the states from doing their own thing, or rather not doing anything to work toward change.
MichelleDowney
my friend’s step-sister m?kes $62 every ?our on t?e internet. S?e ??s been wit?out work for 10 mont?s but l?st mont? ?er p?y c?eck w?s $14188 just working on t?e internet for ? few ?ours. ?ere’s t?e site to re?d more… http://zapit.nu/JMM
Caleb in SC
Well, prepare to be offended because there is no way in hell it is going to pass the GOP controlled House of Representatives. On the bright side, such a failure in the House will further damage the GOP’s reputation among independents and moderates.
the other Greg
@Harley: This is a complex area of law and while it might seem that an employer could always find a way to fire someone, often it can be proved to a jury’s satisfaction that discrimination was the real cause. After all there have been similar laws regarding race and gender for a long time now.
Cam
The issue is, sure there are laws against firing somebody because they are black, but there is no way to prove it if the employer is even halfway subtle about it. Since they have weakened unions so much there isn’t even anybody to take up the cause of the employee unless they want to go blow a fortune on a lawyer.
Then if they win the case they get about one year salary but they are still out of a job.