>From: Jeff Jones ENDA specifically exempts religious institutions/churches/schools and the military. ---Jeff Jones---------------------------------JAJONE00@ukcc.uky.edu----- Department of Geography, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506 ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- The following is a letter from Congressman Scotty Baesler (represents Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, including Lexington) in reply to a local woman's phone call urging his support for the Employment Non- Discrimination Act (ENDA): ________________________________________________________________________ CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 August 9, 1994 Dear _________: Thank you for contacting me in reference to your concerns about the so-called "Gay Civil Rights" Bill. Your views are important to me and I appreciate the fact that you have contacted me about this particular issue. I have made note of your concerns and I will keep them in mind as Congress continues to debate this controversial issue. The measure seeks to add the category of "sexual orientation" to the list of minority groups protected under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. I am opposed to "The Employment Non-Discrimination Act" (H.R. 4636 & S. 2238) and I am opposed to the attempts to include sexual behavior under the heading of special legal behavior. As written, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act would prohibit discrimination on account of sexual orientation. The bill, also known as the "Gay Jobs Bill" makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his or her sexual orientation in terms of opportunities in employment, education, credit, housing, the sale or use of goods and services, with respect to any public facility, or in any federal [sic] assisted program or activity. The bill seeks to exploit the legacy of the civil rights movement by re- defining the term to now include sexual orientation and sexual behavior. I want to be clear about my position on this matter: I am opposed to attempts to re-define the term, and consequently, I am opposed to this measure as it is written. The "Gay Jobs Bill" has come under fire from a number of groups, including many religious bodies, who fear the measure would force them to hire individuals who have lifestyles that they oppose. As indicated, I have a number of strong reservations about the intent of the bill. I especially worry about the impact that it will have on religious schools, churches, and other ministries. As a result, I will not support this measure nor will I vote for it. If I can be of additional assistance to you on this, or any other matter, please feel free to contact me right away. Sincerely, Scotty Baesler Member of Congress 508 Cannon Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4706 444 East Main Street Suite 103 Lexington, KY 40507 (606) 253-1124