ENDA Watch

The A.P. reports:

Gay rights advocates are optimistic Congress will soon move one step closer to approving a federal ban on job discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender workers.

Representative Barney Frank and other knowledgeable observers feel confident that the bill will pass the house, but no one is sure about the senate. It could go either way there, and there has been no word from the president as to whether he would sign the law if passed.


Of course, this is why national politics is relevant to us. Texas is one of those states that tolerates unfairness and discrimination. Houston, pathetically, stands alone, as the only major U.S. city without a non-discrimination ordinance. ENDA would immediately change that. Every democratic presidential candidate has voiced there support for ENDA. We must get one these people elected next year. More importantly, we must defeat Senator John Cornyn. Two candidates are running against him. The Caucus knows Rick Noriega, and we know he'll stand with us. I'm sure Mikal Watts would also be far better than Cornyn on GLBT issues. So look into these fellows, and get behind one them. let's destroy Cornyn next fall.

Equality Texas has accumulated some key stats on how the rest of Texas delegation breaks down on this issue.

In 31 states, it is legal to fire someone based on their sexual orientation. In 39 states, it is legal to fire someone based on gender identity.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would make it illegal to fire an employee based solely on sexual orientation or gender identity. ENDA would reinforce the principle that employment decisions should be based upon a person's qualifications and job performance.

The bill currently has 165 co-sponsors, including seven (7) of the thirty-two (32) members of the Texas Congressional delegation: Lloyd Doggett, Charlie Gonzalez, Ruben Hinojosa, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Sheila Jackson Lee, Silvestre Reyes, and Ciro Rodriguez.

A vote on ENDA is expected in the U.S. House the week of September 24th.

A vote for ENDA is a vote for non-discrimination in the workplace. Quite simply, refusing to support ENDA is an endorsement of employment discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity.

Public support for ENDA is overwhelming. Polls demonstrate that the vast majority of Americans support the principle of equal job opportunities for lesbian & gay Americans (89% in a May 2007 Gallup Poll).

Twenty-five (25) Texas Representatives have yet to take a stand for equality. What are they waiting for?

Visit Equality Texas to easily contact your representative in Congress. Let the know that fairness has waited far too long.