ENDA stands for The Employment Nondiscrimination Act.
So this is a nice step forward. The Senate passed ENDA 64 to 32. So the Democratic led Senate passed this. Great right?! Well… it is but it’s not quite good enough to become a law. Why you ask? Because the Republican led House of Representatives will most likely strike this down. It is MIND BOGGLING to think that anyone (forget about an educated American) would think it is ok to fire someone because of their sexual orientation. I mean seriously. I can’t with these people.
So here is what some people are saying:
“The workplace is simply no place for discrimination,” Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine <– good for her!
“Today is an historic day,” said Harkin. “In 1964, we passed the Civil Rights Act–none of us were here then of course. And then in 1990, we passed the Americans with Disabilities Act–some of us were here at that time. And now we sort of finished the trilogy.”, Democratic Senator Tom Harkin
Here is an interesting little fact for you. Heather Cronk, co-director of the organization GetEQUAL said “it’s hugely helpful as far as public education goes, since 90% of Americans think this is already law.”. Ok. So I don’t think civilians should vote on civil rights…isn’t that what the government is for?? But that’s another post I guess. If 90% of Americans think this is the law and it isn’t then why don’t those 90% of the Americans say something!?!? I really can’t.
Here are what the opponents have to say. (It took every ounce of restraint I have to not type idiots instead of opponents there)
Opponents say ENDA will have “a chilling effect on free speech as well as religious liberty” by requiring secular businesses who have a moral objection to LGBT people to not discriminate against them. (CNN.com)
The Traditional Values Coalition says passage of ENDA would “hurt kids.”
“Young students in some states are already being confused by transgender teachers,” a fact sheet by the Traditional Values Coalition read. “If ENDA passes, students and children in daycare centers all across the nation will be subjected to individuals experimenting with their gender identities.” (CNN.com)
So this is what it comes down to. Opponents of equality truly believe that the GLBT community is less than their heterosexual counterparts. Newsflash, people don’t “experiment” with their gender. If I were to go and have a freaking surgery and ask for a vagina, trust me…it would be a lot more than experimenting you idiot. Ok, I am going to reel it in. The opponents think that by exposing children to a member of the GLBT community it will somehow confuse them. Ok. Another newsflash. Kids don’t give a $hit if someone is straight, gay, bi, trans or purple for that matter. It is the adults that instill the bigotry and confusion.
So what can you do? Glad you asked.
Contact the House of Representatives. Tell them to pull it together!
http://www.house.gov/ <– go there to find your representative.
AND/OR call and mail them like a crazy. Good crazy that is…think rainbows, butterflies and puppies!
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 224-3121
TTY: (202)-225-1904
Lastly, please this very important survey. I am using the results in my upcoming book and I think the results may surprise you.
That's So Gay 