

Senate Passes LGBT Employment Non-Discrimination Act

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Senate Passes LGBT Employment Non-Discrimination Act


In 29 states it is legal to be denied a job, fired, or passed over for a promotion on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Hadassah is a long time advocate for equal rights—for women, minorities, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community—and vigorously condemns discrimination of any kind. In 2006, Hadassah passed a policy statement on LGBT Equality, supporting the passage of state and federal civil rights legislation to protect against hate crimes and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Hadassah was proud to join with other religious organizations in a joint letter urging Congress to pass this legislation. "Our faith traditions hold different and sometimes evolving beliefs about the nature of human sexuality and marriage as well as gender identity and gender expression, but we can all agree on the fundamental premise that every human being is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace."

In order to respect religious liberty, the legislation does include an exception for religious organizations as defined in the Civil Rights Act. This afternoon, the Senate voted down an amendment that would have expanded this exception, which would have potentially opened the door for a wide range of employers to discriminate.

ENDA is a common sense piece of legislation that will ensure all workers—regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity—are protected from discrimination. Make your voice heard! Urge your Representatives to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act today.

Date: 11/7/2013
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