"Democrats understand that the majority of Americans support these common-sense workplace protections," said Jo Wyrick, NSD Executive Director. "This legislation not only safeguards employee rights, but expands national economic opportunity by reducing the impact of artificial bias on the free market. The former Republican leadership routinely ignored the advice of business leaders, economists and civil rights organizations who pleaded for the passage of ENDA. Instead, they chose to prevent this legislation from moving forward at the request of the special interests which largely financed their campaigns. It is now Democratic leadership which is moving this bill by building bipartisan support, and we urge Congressional Democrats to ensure its final passage this year."

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation would exempt religious institutions, the military and certain small businesses. Under federal law, it is currently legal to fire or demote an employee solely based on these characteristics. 18 states have passed similar laws at the state level. ENDA enjoys the support of a large number of Fortune 500 companies, while a 2001 Gallup Poll found that over 85% of Americans favor the enactment of such legislation.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act was introduced in the United States House of Representatives today by Democratic Members Tammy Baldwin (WI), Barney Frank (MA) and Jerry Nadler (NY). They were formally joined in their introduction by Republican Representatives Chris Shays (CT) and Deborah Pryce (OH).

Despite Democratic efforts, for over a decade the former Republican leadership in the United States Senate and House of Representatives routinely prevented the movement of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. National Stonewall Democrats has worked to secure support for such legislation from state Democratic parties, the Democratic National Committee, and by working to elect federal Democratic candidates who support its passage.

The Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality have been the chief legislative proponents of the passage of ENDA and its expansion to include employment protections on the basis of gender identity.

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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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