The US Senate passed the Employee Nondiscrimination Act yesterday. The vote was 64-32, with 10 Republicans joining Democrats in bi-partisan support of the measure. The bill protects employees from being discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation.
The bill now moves to the Republican controlled House where it faces an uphill battle. Speaker Boehner has indicated that he is not inclined to schedule the measure for a vote, stating that he believes the legislation will only serve to encourage frivolous lawsuits that will hurt small businesses and cost American jobs.
Speaker Boehner should take a moment to brush up on his US History. His argument is the exact same hollow argument used by those who stood in opposition to the Civil Rights Act in the 60’s. It stands in ignorant opposition not only to the cultural shift in our society but to the basic tenants on which our nation was created…that all men are created equal.
How do you fire a good employee because of their sexual orientation? How do you deny a promotion, or withhold a raise just because you are uncomfortable with their gender identity? In 20 states across this country such discrimination is now legal under the law. The Employee Nondiscrimination Act would render such behavior illegal.
This is a no brainer!
We call on Speaker Boehner to do the right thing and schedule the senate bill for a vote.
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