From: Babngltf@aol.com Date: Thu, 15 Jun 1995 16:49:09 -0400 Subject: NGLTF Endorses ENDA NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Robin Kane, 202-332-6483, ext. 3311 or rkane@ngltf.org Beth Barrett, 202-332-6483, ext 3215 or bbarrett@ngltf.org NGLTF ENDORSEMENT OF THE EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT Washington, D.C. -- June 15, 1995 -- The following statement is attributable to Melinda Paras, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF): On behalf of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, I am pleased to endorse the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 1995. The bill would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Such a measure would permit all Americans to work without regard to sexual orientation. This long overdue legislation would make illegal the discrimination present in the lives of Americans everyday. The right to work is the cornerstone of the American dream, yet far too many hard working people are refused work, fired, or harassed because of their perceived sexual orientation. Sexual orientation does not effect a person's ability to contribute in the workplace yet gay, lesbian, and bisexual people continue to be isolated, stigmatized and persecuted in and out of the workplace. Without this measure, the threat of legal discrimination paralyzes us in our jobs and prevents us from living as full and equal citizens. At the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, we often work with activists lobbying their local and state governments to pass anti-discrimination legislation. While many states and municipalities have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, some opponents have pointed to the lack of federal legislation when justifying their own inaction or opposition to such measures. We seek federal action through passage of ENDA that would send a message across the country that discrimination is unacceptable and illegal. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation violates the American values of equality and fairness. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1995 recognizes discrimination and would alleviate the fear of many Americans in the workplace. It is an important step toward full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a leading national membership organization that has supported grassroots organizing since 1973.