Human Rights

Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

The Human Rights Campaign and other allies are working vigorously to pass a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). In 29 states, it's still legal to fire someone because they're gay; in 38 states it is legal to fire someone for being transgender. Thousands of hardworking lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans have lost their livelihoods simply because of who they are. HRC is working to end this bitter injustice by passing a fully inclusive ENDA, a federal bill that would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees simply based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The Senate has, for the first time, introduced a fully-inclusive ENDA bill, which would provide protection against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The organizations are working with congressional leadership and others to ensure passage. However, the most important work being done is taking place across the country in numerous congressional districts.  Send your Senators a message today and encourage them to co-sponsor this critical legislation.

https://secure3.convio.net/hrc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=571

Employee Free Choice Act

Despite some successes, like the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Act (the first piece of legislation enacted by President Obama), the gender wage gap has widened according to the National Committee on Pay Equity.  In 2007, women earned, on average, 78 cents for every dollar a man earned.  In 2008, they earned 77 cents.  That's the same amount reported in 2005.  So not only have women made no gains in closing the wage gap over the last three years, women have slid backward and only closed the gap a total of 18 cents in 45 years.

The Employee Free Choice Act will ensure pay equity, not only for women but for middle-income, working families, and non-union laborers.

• Helps America’s working families improve their standard of living. Workers in unions earn 30 percent higher wages and are 59 percent more likely to have employer-provided health insurance.
• Fixes a broken system that gives corporations far too much power. When workers try and organize unions, they are often harassed and intimidated; 25 percent of companies unlawfully fire pro-union workers.
• Restores fairness and the promise of the American Dream, with a robust middle class, economic growth, and shared prosperity.

Sign the Petition!
http://freechoiceact.org/petition/

The Employee Free Choice Act will give more workers a chance to form unions and get better health care, job security, and benefits – and an opportunity to pursue their dreams.  

Support this bill and add your name to the list of over one million signatures! 

“Home in Name Only”

Sometimes the adage, “you can’t go home again” is very true.  Suzie Broomes recommends the following article from ColorLines: The National Newsmagazine on Race and Politics, one in a series on the devastating effects of deportation.