Representative Barney Frank, joined by Reps. Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis, introduced an inclusive version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) - which would extend the existing federal law prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill was introduced with a group of bi-partisan cosponsors, including Maryland Congresspersons Van Hollen, Edwards and Cummings.  Please contact your congressperson and thank them for co-sponsoring this legislation.  Their support has helped build momentum for the bill’s passage.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a constituent and a member of Equality Maryland, I want to thank you for co-sponsoring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. ENDA would extend the existing federal law prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please support an inclusive ENDA - the bill that protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans from losing their jobs just because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity.

Federal law already bans job discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and other categories that are essential to a person's being. But employers in many states can still fire people just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Maryland is one of the states that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Sadly, gender identity employment protections only exist in Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and in state personnel practices. Thank you for taking a stand in support of a strong and inclusive ENDA - and for fighting for legislation that protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans from losing their jobs just because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity.

LGBT Americans deserve and need the ability to work - just like every American.

Thank you again for your leadership on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 17, 2009