It is legal in 39 states, including Delaware, to fire an employee because she/he is gay or is thought to be gay. Promotions and pay raises may legally be denied in these states for the same reasons. We even know of heterosexual members of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) who have been fired or had a job offer withdrawn due to their work with that group.
ENDA (the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, S. 869/ H.R.1858) has been reintroduced in Congress after failing to pass by one vote last year. It would protect employees from such outrageous discrimination based on their sexual orientation. It does not apply to the military, religious organizations, or to businesses of fewer than 15 employees. It prohibits quotas or other preferential treatment, and does not require employers to provide special benefits.
Polls show 85% of Americans believe that employees should be evaluated on their work performance, not on their sexual orientation. Sen. Biden and Rep. Castle seem to support ENDA. Sen. Roth is opposed, but can give us no plausible reason for his anti-civil rights stance. Mail/faxes/ phone calls supporting ENDA should be directed to all three legislators.
For equal (not special) rights.
- Corey and Douglas Marshall-Steele
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7/25/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.