Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) Introduced in U.S. House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2009
Brad Luna |
Trevor Thomas |
Employment Non-Discrimination Act Introduced in U.S. House

Measure would prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed today the bipartisan reintroduction of an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would create federal protections against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The lead sponsors of the measure are Representatives Barney Frank (D-MA), IIeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jared Polis (D-CO), Michael Castle (R-DE), George Miller (D-CA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), John Conyers (D-MI), Todd Platts (R-PA), Rob Andrews (D-NJ), and Leonard Lance (R-NJ).

“Just like our friends, neighbors and coworkers, LGBT Americans work hard, provide for our families and contribute to our nation’s economy,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We all share the challenges of today's economic downturn, but our community also faces arbitrary discrimination in the workplace, simply because of who we are and who we love. Congress must pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and ensure that all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, get a fair chance to succeed at work.”

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would address discrimination in the workplace by making it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill would reflect the values, shared by the vast majority of Americans, that employment decisions should be based on a person’s qualifications and work ethic.

An estimated 85% of Fortune 500 companies include sexual orientation in their equal employment policies, and more than one-third also include gender identity. More than 60 companies have joined the Business Coalition for Workplace Fairness, a group of leading U.S. employers that support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. To view a list of the companies, visit: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/06/enda-introduction-tomorrow-corporations-agree-fairness-is-good-business/

“Although more and more businesses in the United States have started addressing workplace fairness for LGBT employees, we still need a federal standard that treats all employees the same way. That’s why Nike is part of the Business Coalition for Workplace Fairness, a group of leading companies that support passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act,” said Orson Porter, U.S. Director of Government Affairs

“Chubb is unwavering in its support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The principles it fosters are consistent with our corporate principles of treating all employees with fairness and respect,” said Donna Griffin, senior vice president and chief diversity officer, The Chubb Corporation. “ENDA will have a positive impact on our country’s ability to compete on the world stage, by extending legal protection in the majority of states where employees can still be turned down for a job, or fired, simply because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.”

ENDA is supported by a broad range of civil rights, religious, civic and professional organizations, including the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, NAACP, AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union, AFSCME, National Education Association, National Employment Lawyers Association, Anti-Defamation League, Religious Action Center, Unitiarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, American Civil Liberties Union, and many others.

Currently, federal law provides legal protection against employment discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age and disability, but not sexual orientation or gender identity. In 30 states across America, it is still legal to fire someone based on his or her sexual orientation, and in 38 states, it is still legal to fire someone for being transgender.

In 2007, the House passed a version of ENDA that protected on the basis of sexual orientation, but not gender identity, on a vote of 235 to 184.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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REPORT: Ohio schools are unsafe places for LGBT youth

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clipped from www.glsen.org Research Shows Alarming Rates of LGBT Student Victimization in Ohio For Immediate Release Media Contact: Anthony Ramos 646-388-6575 aramos@glsen.org Jun 17, 2009 NEW YORK, June 17, 2009 – Ohio schools are unsafe places for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) youth, according to a research brief released today by GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. Inside Ohio Schools: The Experiences of LGBT Students, a report based on findings from 244 Ohio students who participated in GLSEN’s 2007 National School Climate Survey, shows that Ohio LGBT students face extreme levels of harassment and assault and skip school at alarming rates because of feeling unsafe. Ohio is one of the 39 states that does not explicitly protect students from bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. “Inside Ohio Schools shows how much work needs to be done to make sure LGBT students in Ohio are safe in school,” GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said

New Short North spot aims for cosmopolitan vibe but affordable noshes

From the Columbus Dispatch

clipped from www.dispatch.com On the level On Restaurants On the level New Short North spot aims for cosmopolitan vibe but affordable noshes Tuesday,  June 23, 2009 3:02 AM By Bill Chronister THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Level Dining Lounge, at 700 N. High St. in the Short North, presents itself on a number of levels. The former R.J. Snapper's has been retooled inside and out to be cosmopolitan, said Brent LaCount of the Design Collective, yet evoking a sense of "old Columbus." The facade has been pared down to the brick to lend permanence to the location, yet the removal of awnings also brightens the space during the day and gives the mezzanine lounge views both into the dining area and onto High Street. And despite the deep contrast of white leather and green fabrics, mixed with dramatic lighting and a high-tech DJ/VJ booth, the seating in the bar, dining room and lounge is comfortable and casual. " />

Central Ohio Real Estate Market Data Released-CRITICAL

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Cooper Stadium Racetrack Back in the News

clipped from www.columbusunderground.com By Walker | June 21, 2009 9:14pm | Filed under Development | Comments Both the Dispatch and the Other Paper ran articles last week on the racetrack redevelopment being proposed at the old Cooper Stadium site. According to developers, it sounds like they’re now aiming for a more mixed-use purpose for the site, which could include BMX, motocross, and snowmobile events. They even stated that there may only be as few as 15 auto racing events per year, keeping the noisy days to a minimum. ROARColumbus doesn’t appear to have issued an update to their website since the coverage last week, but it seems that they’re still opposed to any type of racetrack concept entirely.

Short North valets might be sent off-street

clipped from www.dispatch.com By Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH If Columbus officials get their way, valet companies will be forced to park cars on off-street lots by 2011. That should ease congestion along Short North streets and prevent confrontations between valets and visitors vying for on-street parking spots, the city officials say. But some valet companies say such rules will hurt smaller companies that lack easy access to lots in a neighborhood known for its lack of parking. "That's going to be a real problem in that area. They already don't have parking lots available," said Michael Nitenson, who owns Elite Valet Parking. Valet companies and Short North business owners recently met with city officials to discuss proposed changes to valet policies that were last updated in 1991. One of the main changes would be that valet permits would require private parking agreements by 2011, giving valet companies and restaurants time to find private lots, said city public-service spokesman Rick Tilton.

Columbus Dispatch: Patriotic activist. 'Don't ask, don't tell' opponent to lead gay-pride parade

clipped from www.dispatch.com " /> By Amy Saunders The Columbus Dispatch As the parade passed, he stood near some bushes -- a hiding spot in case someone he knew saw him celebrating with thousands of gay people. Rupert Starr had stood up to Nazis during World War II, spending four months as a prisoner of war in Poland, but his participation in a Columbus Pride Festival in the 1990s required more confidence than he could muster. This year, he is the center of attention: the grand marshal of the 1 p.m. parade and keynote speaker at a Sunday brunch for what's considered the largest gay-pride celebration in the Midwest. Not until recently has Starr (known to friends as "Twink") reached such a public comfort level with his decades-old homosexuality. He's 86. Organizers of the festival -- the theme is "Freedom" -- wanted to honor Starr for his activism against the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Until recently, the Upper Arlington resident never discussed his war experience, either.