WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–November 7, 2013. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), the lead Republican cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), S. 815, today applauded the Senate’s passage of the bill by a vote of 64-32. ENDA would prevent discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals in the workplace.
“Today the Senate advanced civil rights by sending a message that there is no place for employer discrimination in this country,” Senator Kirk said. “For me, supporting this cause means following in the footsteps of two leaders who championed civil rights issues, Senator Everett Dirksen and Abraham Lincoln, men who gave us the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 13th Amendment. I believe passionately in enacting ENDA, and I know it will help keep our competitive edge in the global economy.”
On Monday, Senator Kirk spoke in favor of ENDA in his first speech on the Senate floor since returning after suffering a stroke.
Background:
Not all Americans have equal protection against employment discrimination. Currently, it is legal to discriminate in the workplace based on sexual orientation in 29 states. As much as 58 percent of lesbian, gay or bisexual Americans have no legal protections against discrimination.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act:
Extends federal employment discrimination protections based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability to sexual orientation and gender identity,
Prohibits public and private employers, employment agencies and labor unions from using an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity as basis for employment decision like hiring, firing, promotion or compensation,
Applies to Congress and the federal government as well as employees of state and local governments.
Source: kirk.senate.gov
