To the editor:
In 29 states, it’s legal to fire otherwise-qualified employees because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual.
In 38 states, it’s legal to fire otherwise-qualified employees because they are transgender.
Current federal law protects workers against discrimination based on their race, gender, religion, national origin and disability, but not based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
People should not be fired because of their sexual orientation, and homosexuals are not given “special rights” by being protected from this discrimination — they are given equal rights.
This country was founded upon the principle of equal opportunity. Our government must continue to uphold this value for all Americans, whether they’re black, Christian, disabled, gay or transgender.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act gives these workers the same rights and protections as their colleagues.
It ensures that employees are judged for their performance, not for who they are. It’s important that people in our community know the facts, so we can work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.