2007 expected to be landmark year for passage of pro-lgbt legislation
A broad coalition of national LGBT and ally social justice groups are working together on the final push towards what is expected this year to be the passage of two major pieces of federal legislation protecting LGBT people in the United States. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, more commonly known as Hate Crimes legislation, calls for giving the federal government authority to prosecute hate crimes based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
A second bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), would provide basic protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and is expected to pass after more than a decade of work, particularly in regard to the inclusion of people of transgender experience. According to the Human Rights Campaign, “Currently, Americans can still be denied job opportunities, fired or otherwise be discriminated against just because of their sexual orientation in 33 states and because of their gender identity in 42 states.” Ensure your voice is heard by calling, writing and e-mailing members of Congress and the Senate to encourage your representatives to vote in favor of ENDA and Hate Crimes legislation.