DeLauro Calls On House Republican Leadership to Take Up and Pass Employment Protection for LGBT Americans

NEW HAVEN, CT—In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to decline appeals to marriage equality victories in five states, plus yesterday’s Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision striking down bans in Nevada and Idaho, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today applauded those decisions and called on Speaker of the House John Boehner to take up and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. DeLauro is a cosponsor of the legislation, which would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Yesterday’s Appeals Court decision for Nevada was upheld by the Supreme Court this afternoon.

“No American should lose a job, be denied a promotion, or not be considered for a promotion because of who they love or their gender. Quite simply, it is unjust for anyone, employers included, to discriminate against LGBT Americans. I am proud to support this legislation and call on Speaker Boehner to bring the bill before the House of Representatives so that all Americans can fully participate in the social and economic life of our nation.”

ENDA would establish basic workplace protections to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Currently only 18 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination on bases of sexual orientation and gender identity, and an additional three states prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. ENDA would provide a basic level of protection against workplace discrimination in a manner modeled closely on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and would apply to private employers as well as local, state, and federal government employers.

Connecticut was the fourth state to formally protect gay and lesbian workplace rights and was the 15th state to protect transgender workers as well. DeLauro is a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.


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