United Church of Christ - JPANet: Stand up against discrimination!

JPANet: Stand up against discrimination!

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA, HR 3017/S1584), a measure that would provide protection against employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity, is poised to move to a vote on the House floor in the next few weeks. It is critical for members of the faith community to rise up and be heard in support of this significant civil rights legislation. Contact your representative and urge her/him to pass ENDA now.

ENDA Pink Slip A key tenet of the civil rights movement is that workers should be judged solely on their merits – that workers should not be kept from supporting their families and contributing to the economic life of our nation based on characteristics that have no bearing on the ability to do a job. Yet it remains legal in 29 states to fire or refuse to hire someone simply because of his or her sexual orientation; in 38 states it is legal to do so based solely on an individual’s gender identity.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would extend fair employment practices under federal law to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. ENDA would not create “special rights” but would offer Americans basic protections from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender.

All of us are diminished when individuals are prevented from reaching their full potential and prohibited from contributing the full measure of their talent and ability to society. ENDA is a measured and pragmatic response to unjust discrimination.

As people of faith, we are called to stand for fairness. Act now!

Contact your representative and urging him/her to pass an inclusive ENDA bill.
Practice the Golden Rule at Work: Sign the interfaith clergy letter in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

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Dear [Decision Maker],

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As a person of faith, I believe all workers should be judged on their merits and not characteristics that have nothing to do with their ability to do a job.  Yet it remains legal in 29 states to fire or refuse to hire someone simply because of his or her sexual orientation; in 38 states it is legal to do so solely based on an individual's gender identity.  I urge you to help end this injustice by sponsoring and working to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (HR 3017/ S 1584).

ENDA would extend fair employment practices under federal law to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.  ENDA would not create any "special rights," but would simply offer Americans basic protections from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Public support for ENDA is strong.  A May 2008 poll conducted by Gallup found that 89 percent of Americans believe gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people should have equal rights in the workplace.  America's corporate leaders also recognize that a person's sexual orientation or gender identity has nothing to do with their job performance.  ENDA is supported by a wide range of civil rights, labor and religious organizations.

All of us are diminished when individuals are prevented from reaching their full potential and prohibited from contributing the full measure of their talent and ability to society.  It is indefensible that, while sharing every American's concerns about the health of our economy, LGBT workers must also fear their job security because of prejudice.

ENDA is a measured and pragmatic response to unjust prejudice and discrimination.  I urge you to cosponsor this critical anti-discrimination legislation.

Thank you for your consideration of this basic issue of fairness and justice.  I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]