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Dear Equality California Supporters,
Fairness in the workplace has been recognized as a fundamental right protected under federal law and it is now time to extend that protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers. Qualified, dedicated workers are denied job opportunities, fired or otherwise discriminated against for reasons that have nothing to do with their performance and abilities.
The transgender community is particularly hard hit by workplace discrimination. Transgender people face pervasive discrimination in every area of life. They are often rejected by families, harassed and kicked out of school, and discriminated against in daily life in supermarkets, malls, on public transportation, etc. Although all of these problems are terrible, the most acute need for transgender people is anti-discrimination protections in the workplace. When a transgender person loses a job, they can become homeless , unable to provide for their families and, because of additional discrimination in hiring, unable to obtain another job and work to change their dire situation.
Currently, there is no federal law protecting people from job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. In 30 states, it is legal to fire someone based on their sexual orientation. In 37 states, it is legal to do so based on gender identity. Federal law currently provides basic legal protection against employment discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin or disability.
While Californians are protected against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, it is time for all Americans to have the chance to earn a living and provide for their families. We urge you to support a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act so that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are provided equal opportunity in the workplace.
Tomorrow night, Wednesday January 20th, Central Valley Equality California in coalition with the Courage Campaign will kick of our first joint ENDA Phone Bank. We will be calling local constituents to motivate them to call their congressman and urge them to PASS (ENDA) The Employment Non- Discrimination Act NOW!! and we will be taking Signatures over the phone to give to the Congressman’s Offices.
Join us in making calls for EQUALITY tomorrow from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Central California Field Office located in the Tower District. If you have any questions please feel free to give the organizers a call.
ENDA PHONE BANK LOCATION:
Equality California Central Valley Field Office
1055 N. Van Ness Ave. Suite C
Fresno Ca. 93728
Phone: (559)486-3000
Fax: (559) 486-3005
