H.R. 3017, S. 1584
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act extends federal employment discrimination protections currently in place based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability to sexual orientation and gender identity. Within corporate America, non-discrimination policies already exist at many companies. As of 2009, 423 (85%) of the Fortune 500 companies extend protections based on sexual orientation, and 176 (35%) extend protections based on gender identity.
Our nation’s economic success depends on having the most qualified, dedicated, and competent people as part of the American workforce. Yet, the discrimination that exists in employment, including being fired, being denied promotions, and experiencing harassment just because one is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered is not only unfair but is destructive to our workforce and our nation.