ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) reintroduced

ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) was reintroduced today. Here's MTPC statement (http://www.masstpc.org/?p=1325):

March 30, 2011

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Applauds Representative Barney Frank for introducing a transgender inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

Boston, MA [03.30.11]— The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) applauds Massachusetts’ own Representative Barney Frank for introducing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) at a Capitol Hill news conference.

This ENDA is the same bill as introduced in 2009. The language is fully inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. In the past, the bill has received support from the public (90% of Americans are in favor of equal employment rights for LGBT individuals) and President Obama.

“This bill is absolutely necessary for the transgender community,” said MTPC Executive Director Gunner Scott. “It affects transgender youth, adults, and their families. No one should feel they have to hide who they are for fear of being fired from their place of employment. When people are not treated fairly and equally, we all suffer.”

The National Transgender Discrimination Survey, conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, shows rampant employment discrimination for transgender individuals, with 76% of survey respondents reporting that they experienced harassment or mistreatment on the job. In addition, MTPC frequently intakes calls from community members who have either experienced discrimination, or are fearful that they may lose their job if they come out to their employer.

###

About MTPC: The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is dedicated to ending discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. MTPC works for a world where persons of all genders are treated with respect and fully participate in all areas of society, free from fear of prohibition, harassment or violence based on their gender identity and/or expression. Its members educate the public, advocate with state, local, and federal government, engage in political activism, and encourage empowerment of community members through collective action.