Date: Thu, 23 Oct 97 19:21:21 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: NGLTF on ENDA Hearing NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 pager 1-800-757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ................................................ NGLTF PRAISES SENATE HEARING ON ENDA WASHINGTON, DC---October 23, 1997---The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) applauds the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, Chairman Jim Jeffords (R-VT), and ranking Democratic member Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) for holding today's hearing on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The proposed legislation (S. 869) tells employers that their hiring, promotions and other employment practices must be based solely on an employee's work performance and not on their sexual orientation. The bill exempts small businesses and religious institutions from coverage, similar to exemptions granted under previous civil rights legislation. Witnesses at the Thursday morning hearing included two individuals who had lost their jobs because of their sexual orientation. They testified that discrimination is not only wrong but it is also painful and it poses a great hardship - emotionally and economically - for them and others in their situation. The business community was also represented at the hearing by Raymond Smith, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Atlantic Corporation of Virginia, and Thomas Grote, Chief Operating Officer of Donatos Pizza in Blacklick, Ohio. They both stated that adopting and implementing strong anti-discrimination policies for all of their employees is not only morally right but also makes economic sense from a business point of view. They also both noted that 320 of the top 500 businesses in this country have adopted anti-discrimination policies which include sexual orientation. "The message of ENDA is clear and straightforward," said NGLTF executive director, Kerry Lobel. "Discrimination is wrong." As Lobel pointed out, "state and local legislators, as well as the business community, are forging a trail on bills banning employment and broader discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. To date, eleven states (CA, CT, HI, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, RI, VT and WI) and the District of Columbia have adopted such laws." ENDA is an important step in the struggle for equal treatment for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people. It is similar to legislation previously adopted by Congress to address other forms of discrimination. Polling demonstrates that the American public believes in fair treatment for all Americans. In fact, most Americans believe such laws already exist. "We look forward to the day when gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people no longer have to fear the loss of their jobs on the basis of their sexual orientation," stated Lobel. "When that day comes, our society will have taken another step forward in assuring justice and equality for all of its citizens." -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .