ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 (also H.R. 2015), is a clear and direct bill before congress to “prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.” When I speak and consult, many people are surprised – some shocked – to discover that these protections are not already in place. They aren’t.
ENDA not only prohibits this discrimination it does so in a way which connects with both the definitions and remedies of prior legislative acts; especially the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Basically it is illegal to refuse to hire or to fire or to “limit, segregate or classify” on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Retaliation for employees claiming discrimination is forbidden. At the same time, reasonable dress and grooming standards are allowed as long as they are uniformly applied to all. For transgender people, the applicable standard is the one for the gender “to which the employee has transitioned or is transitioning.”
The exceptions are few and clear. The act does not apply to the military or to some religious corporation employment practices. The religious exception is limited to organizations (including educational institutions) whose “primary purpose” is religious ritual, worship, or the teaching or spreading of religious doctrine or belief.” For organizations whose primary purpose is not defined this way, certain employees whose primary duties involve religious ritual, teaching or governance can be exempt. Additionally a religious entity can require that employees “in similar positions” adhere to religious standards that such an organization has declared “significant”.
If ENDA was in force a year ago, I would still be employed as a university professor at the Christian school where I worked for 16 years. I urge you to write or call your members of Congress to voice your strong support for ENDA. Surveys have indicated that over 80% of Americans support this kind of discrimination protection, but those who believe hate is a traditional family value are well-organized and have money to spend. Your voice is important.
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Hamming it up with a daughter-in-law
vigil for Ian
A blog for discussing the celebration of diversity in the workplace and in life.
A blog for discussing the celebration of diversity in the workplace and in life.
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- Julie Nemecek
- the founder of Julie Nemecek Consulting, a full-service consulting firm specializing in diversity consulting, training, and advocacy is the main voice of this blog. You can learn more about her from her web site at http://julienemecek.com .
vigil for Ian
4 comments:
Julie:
I read your blog and I thank for clearing me up about ENDA. I followed your case at Spring Arbor and wish to thank you for speaking up about your transitioning.
Gennee
I believe that this is the bill which Dr. James C. Dobson of
"Focus on the Family" says is meant to muzzle Christians.
I'm sorry -- the man does so much good in many areas, but is
so off base in others such as this one.
As has happened at other times, what he claims is the motive
of others is actually his own motive: he is the one who
wants to muzzle people, especially those whom he perceives as
standing in the way of his desire to be one of those to rule
the United States and then the world according to selected
parts of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. This
desire, by the way, is shared by quite a few religious leaders
throughout the United States and is a threat to Christianity
and to freedom.
Dr. Dobson has called upon his listeners to urge their
Senators and Representatives to defeat this bill. I would
urge just the opposite: that our Congress pass the bill.
Love,
Mona
"When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free."
-- Charles Evans Hughes
It is unfortunate that some of those professing to be Christians have resorted to deliberate lies to support their fear mongering. Hate is not a traditional family value. Hate Crimes legislation will not infringe in any way on Christian speech but it will make it illegal to promote violence against people like me. ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) does not mandate quotas (the legislation specifically says so!) but it does require that people not be discriminated against in housing or employment because they are different. There is a religious exception for churches and other organizations with religious purposes.
Remember when Christians experienced this kind of persecution? In many countries Christians are still persecuted. When we argue against basic human and civil rights ("life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness") given to all by God, we are also giving aid to those who would take our religious liberties away. When Christians and others have to resort to lies and distortions to defend their position, perhaps it is time to take a more critical look at the position.
Here are links to refutations of one of the most often quoted persons (James Dobson) bearing false witness:
http://www.soulforce.org/pdf/false_focus.pdf "A False Focus on My Family"
http://www.respectmyresearch.org/distortions.html Scientists "quoted" by Dobson refute his distortion and misrepresentation of their work
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