Washington, DC - Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) passed the Senate. The legislation would provide federal protections against discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Although New Jersey state law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, 33 states do not have these legal protections.
Menendez said:
"A majority of Americans agree that no worker should feel that their sexual orientation makes them somehow less equal under the law. And while New Jersey's state law protects all of our workers from discrimination - including LGBT employees -- it's hard to believe that 33 states simply don't provide this basic protection.
"With today's passage of ENDA in the Senate, we take yet another step towards a more tolerant society; one where non-discrimination policies guarantee that everyone has a fair opportunity to earn a living for their families, and the rights of all workers are protected- regardless of who they are or where they live.
"And yet we are only half way there. It's time for Speaker Boehner to bring this bill to the floor of the House for a vote so we can finally make ENDA the law of the land."
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