Action Alert from Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ

A central civil rights principle is that workers should be judged solely on their merits - workers should not be kept from supporting their families and contributing to the economic life of our nation based on characteristics that have no bearing on the ability to do a job.  Yet it remains legal in 29 states to fire or refuse to hire someone simply because of his or her sexual orientation, and in 38 states it is legal to do so based solely on gender identity or expression. 

It is long past time to end this injustice. Congress can right this fundamental inequality by passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 1397/S. 811), reintroduced in the House and Senate last month, would extend fair employment practices under federal law to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

Our faith calls us to respect the full humanity of each person and to resist practices which deny individuals their full humanity.  Our congregations grapple with the difficulties of lost jobs every day, particularly in these difficult economic times.  It is indefensible that, while sharing every American’s concerns about the health of our economy, LGBT workers must also fear job security because of prejudice.

As people of faith, we are call to stand for fairness.  Urge your members of Congress to cosponsor and support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 1397/S. 811).