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Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009
Letter: It's not special rights
Editor: The United States was founded on the idea that all human beings are created equal and should be treated so in the eyes of the law. And although we as a nation have not always lived up to this magnificent ideal in practice, we have also made numerous great strides to rise above our past shortcomings in an attempt to better fulfill the promise of equality for all, a task with which we all have been entrusted. This task requires that we confront discrimination in all of its forms.
Currently, in 29 states it is still legal to fire someone solely because he or she is lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Additionally, in 38 states it is currently legal to fire someone solely for being transgender. Firing someone solely for his or her sexual orientation or gender identity is clearly discriminatory and must be confronted and ended.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that is currently being considered by Congress would do just that. In the same way that current laws protect individuals from being judged in the workplace based upon their gender, race, religious beliefs, etc., ENDA would ensure that individuals are judged based upon their performance and not on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Some individuals may attempt to argue that ENDA is about granting special rights. This is not the case. It is about ensuring all workers receive the same rights and protections under the law as their co-workers. Hence, it is about equality.
Each of us has been entrusted with the task of fulfilling the promise of equality for all. It is for this reason that I support ENDA and hope that you will stand with me and ask Rep. Dennis Cardoza to do the same.
IAN ALBRIGHT
Merced
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