The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, was introduced again in Congress this year — if passed, it would make sure that no one can legally be discriminated against in the workplace for being gay or transgender.
By Melanie Nathan, September 05, 2013.
We all know we have a Congress that will not work with this President, and even more certainly true when it comes to the LGBT community. So what makes Jon Carson think they will suddenly, despite our donations, shift their anti-gay equality stance and vote to pass ENDA? The Republicans have been notorious for their political and religious oppression of gays and have more recently pandered to the likes of the Tea Party crowd. The Republicans, as a rule, do nothing more than march lockstep with the likes of Michelle Bachmann and her ideal that LGBT Americans are unworthy of equality.
And so when I get a letter like this, from Jon Carson, Executive Director of Organizing for Action, with the added chutzpah asking of a fund raise intention, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up and I scream:
“Mr. President, set an example for Congress now; where is an ENDA Executive Order that will at least cover businesses which seek Federal contracts. Mr. Carson what the heck are you doing asking for money based on the phoney notion that even the mere idea of passage of ENDA legislation could make so much as a dent in this particular Congress?” And then I scream and yell, “SHAME on you for even asking anything of us, when the President has yet to take at least one small step in a pro-ENDA direction that would serve as an example?”
This is the e-mail in question:-
From: Jon Carson, BarackObama.com [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 1:37 PMSubject: ENDA
——
A lot of Americans don’t know that it’s still legal in some states to discriminate in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Yep — it’s 2013, and every American still doesn’t have that basic protection under the law.
But here’s the thing: All of us who care about equality can stand up and do something about it.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, was introduced again in Congress this year — if passed, it would make sure that no one can legally be discriminated against in the workplace for being gay or transgender.
OFA supporters are joining our allies across the country to stand up against discrimination — will you join us to help pass ENDA today?
It really is unbelievable that people can still be denied employment, promotions, or even fired based on who they are.
In 29 states, there are no laws that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation — and no protections for gender identity in 33.
Nine out of 10 Americans believe there is already a federal law that protects LGBT Americans from workplace discrimination — that’s because it’s a no-brainer.
Unfortunately, there isn’t — and we’ve got to change that.
This year’s been a big one for LGBT equality in America. The Supreme Court overturned DOMA, and marriage equality now exists in 13 states and D.C..
Progress is happening, but this fight reminds us there is still a lot of work to be done.
ENDA has been introduced in Congress almost every year since 1994 — join the fight today to pass it through Congress:
http://my.barackobama.com/Tell-Congress-to-Pass-ENDA
Thank you,
Jon
Jon Carson
Executive Director
Organizing for Action—————-
The other side will spend millions to maintain the status quo. We’re fighting for change — chip in $5 or more to support OFA today.
Jon Carson let me know after you have asked the President to sign the ENDA-EO and then after the President has signed it, we can all lobby Congress for the next step forward, however long, until they finally pass the legislation for workplace equality. Oh and while you are at it, lets work a little harder at getting our dollars spent on electing progressive Democrats into Congress! Maybe in the meantime we can find some real leadership voices to ask for the yet to be set benchmark of FULL EQUALITY for ALL, LGBT and Women alike.
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