Summer is now officially coming to a close, and Congress is getting back to work after an August recess.  One of the bills they'll be looking at more closely is the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA.  I can't stress enough the importance of this bill.  Right now, because there's no state or federal law in place, it's legal for employees in South Dakota and 28 other states to be fired for being gay.  In South Dakota and 38 other states, it's legal for an employee to be fired for being transgender.  

Simply put, ENDA would fix that.  

Last week,13 Equality South Dakota members from across the state met with staff members from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Sen. Tim Johnson's offices, asking them to co-sponsor ENDA (Senate bill: S. 1584  House bill: H.R. 3017).  While meetings like this are helpful, we know they won't sign on to the bill until they've heard from you why ENDA is so important.  

We know you understand the impact ENDA would have on LGBT people and their families in South Dakota and across the country.  It's time to share your story with Sen. Johnson ( 202-224-5842), Sen. Thune (202-224-2321), and Rep. Herseth Sandlin (202-225-2801).  Whether you've been discriminated against on the job, or are afraid to come out at work because you're afraid of being fired, or you're a parent or family member of an LGBT person, or because you just plain believe in equality, our federal delegation needs to hear from you.

Discrimination is serious business, and it's time to put a stop to it.  Your phone calls will make a difference, and we can't wait any longer to pass ENDA.  

In solidarity,