Kennedy to Introduce Senate Version of ENDA this Session

Senator Edward Kennedy has indicated that he will introduce a Senate version of ENDA this session. I believe that it is important to keep the momentum going and put the Chimperator on the spot. Polls show that a majority of Americas support employment protections for gays. Some months back, I was a guest via conference call on a call-in TV talk shown in Martinsville, Virginia (hardly a bright spot in the liberal universe, believe me) on the issue of employment discrimination against gays in connection with a client case. Amazing, the callers almost unanimously supported gay employs being protected from firing due to their sexual orientation. Therefore, I believe it is important to force Chimperator Bush to demonstrate once again that he (and the wingnuts in the GOP) are way out side of the mainstream. Here are highlights from Senator Kennedy's statement (http://kennedy.senate.gov/newsroom/press_release.cfm?id=e549a85a-dee7-47a3-b3cb-80d89cf50efb):

In the Senate, I will work to move the Employment Non-Discrimination Act this Congress. The bill that the House passed is being held at the desk and I’m working with leadership to move this bill forward as quickly as possible.

This nation was founded on the principle of equal justice for all. That noble goal represents the best in America – that everyone should be treated fairly and should have the chance to benefit from the many opportunities of this country. The House action brings us closer to that goal.

Forty-three years ago, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. At that time, some in our country were violently opposed to outlawing racial discrimination, and it was very difficult for Congress to reach a consensus. But the best in America, and the best in the Senate, prevailed. My first major speech in this body as a freshman Senator was on the Civil Rights Act. I said then that I “firmly believe a sense of fairness and goodwill also exists in the minds and hearts” of Americans, and that laws creating the conditions for equality will help that spirit of fairness win out over prejudice. I still believe that today.

Many hard-working Americans live every day with the knowledge that, no matter what their talents and abilities, they can be denied a job simply because of who they are. Many young students grow up knowing that no matter how hard they study, the doors of opportunity will be locked by prejudice and bigotry when they enter the workplace.

That is what the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is all about -- equal job opportunities for all Americans. By extending the protection of Title VII to those who are victimized because of their sexual orientation, we are moving closer to that fundamental goal. No one should be denied a job simply because of who they are.