Wednesday
Sep232009
Frank Urges House Committee To Support Anti-Discrimination Bill
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 4:25PM
John DuBois, University of New Mexico - Talk Radio News Service
The House Committee on Education and Labor held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) in June of this year.
The bill, known as H.R. 3017, would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
During the hearing, Frank implored his colleagues in the House to support the legislation.
"Let me just say to my colleagues. There's nothing to be afraid of. These are our fellow human beings. They're not asking you for anything other in this bill, for the right to earn a living. Can't you give them that. If you don't like them and don't want to be friends I think your missing on something, but that's your choice," Frank said.
According to Frank, the bill will provide more job opportunities based on a candidate's skill, work ethic and experience, rather than his or her sexual orientation.
The House Committee on Education and Labor held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) in June of this year.
The bill, known as H.R. 3017, would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
During the hearing, Frank implored his colleagues in the House to support the legislation.
"Let me just say to my colleagues. There's nothing to be afraid of. These are our fellow human beings. They're not asking you for anything other in this bill, for the right to earn a living. Can't you give them that. If you don't like them and don't want to be friends I think your missing on something, but that's your choice," Frank said.
According to Frank, the bill will provide more job opportunities based on a candidate's skill, work ethic and experience, rather than his or her sexual orientation.
Employment Non-Discrimination Act Re-Introduced In Senate
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Thursday re-introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a bill aimed at ensuring employment opportunity for all Americans and banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
According to Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), about 20 states have already enacted laws banning discrimination on sexual orientation, some of which include gender identity.
“Qualified workers should not be turned away or have to fear losing their livelihood for reasons that have nothing to do with their capabilities, skills or performance. Such practices are un-American and it is time for them to stop,” Harkin stated.
Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) also showed their support for the legislation.
“We are on the path for a struggle ... to have full equality under the law.” said Merkley.
Harkin said he hopes the bill will be signed by President Barack Obama by 2010.