EDNA Reintroduced in House of Representatives

This morning the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (EDNA) was reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). The bill would require that federal employment laws, which currently prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability, also protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. EDNA would prohibit employers from firing or refusing to hire or promote employees on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, stated, "We all share the challenges of today's economic downturn, but our community also faces arbitrary discrimination in the workplace, simply because of who we are and who we love. Congress must pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and ensure that all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, get a fair chance to succeed at work."

Currently 21 states and Washington DC have laws banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and 12 states and DC protect for gender identity.

Media Resources: Human Rights Campaign Statement 3/28/11, 3/30/11, 6/24/09; Vital Voice 3/30/11; The New Civil Rights Movement 3/30/11

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