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Sexual orientation anti-discrimination bill introduced in US Senate

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] A bill aimed at banning workplace discrimination motivated by an employee's sexual orientation or gender identification was introduced in the US Senate on Wednesday by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), if passed, would protect employees from discriminatory hiring and firing practices, and from segregation or classification on the basis of sexual preference or gender identity. The bill would be the first aimed at ensuring workplace equality for individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer (GLBTQ). Expressing the support of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), HRC president Joe Solmonese said:We are a nation predicated on equality. And over the years, we have embraced an increasingly broader and more inclusive vision of what that means. By passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, we will simply be adding another proud chapter to the amazing American story of opportunity.Earlier this month in another measure aimed at ensuring equality for those who identify as LGBTQ, the US Senate approved a bill that would expand hate crimes law to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender. In 2007, the House and Senate passed similar legislation but the broadened language was ultimately removed during subsequent negotiations. US President Barack Obama signed a memorandum last month that would provide certain benefits to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on August 06, 2009 (boomark / email).