I rise today in support of H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. Currently, American workers are not entitled to protection from discrimination in the workplace based upon their sexual orientation. As a result, it is legal to fire or refuse to hire someone simply because they are gay or lesbian. That is simply wrong! This country has a rich history of battling discrimination. Over the years, Congress has banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability and age. However, our work is not done; we must continue to fight against injustice and extend basic workplace protection to gays and lesbians.
The American people do not support workplace intolerance. A Gallup poll in May of this year found that 89% of the American people support equal treatment for gays and lesbians regarding employment opportunities. The sexual orientation of an employee should not factor into the determination of one’s competence to perform a particular job. American values are rooted in fairness and opportunities for all, in recognition that employment, free of discrimination, is a basic civil right, a human right that must be extended without regard to one’s sexual orientation.
In 2001, my own State of Maryland enacted a law prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. I was proud then to have supported its passage in the State legislature, and I am proud today to help shepherd this bill through Congress. Legislation to promote fairness in employment for gays and lesbians at the national level is long overdue. It is time to take action and extend equality to all Americans.