Subject: NGLTF Endorses ENDA
From: [email-masked]
Date: Thu, 15 Jun 1995 16:49:09 -0400

NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TASK FORCE
PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Robin Kane, 202-332-6483, ext. 3311 or
                    [email-masked]
              Beth Barrett, 202-332-6483, ext 3215 or        
                     [email-masked]

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.