Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers,
On House Passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 (ENDA)

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would extend fair employment practices under federal law to all employees, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation.

ENDA prohibits employers from requiring gay, lesbian or bisexual employees to work in a hostile or abusive environment by simply extending federal employment discrimination protections, which are currently provided based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability, to sexual orientation.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act was first introduced in Congress 13 years ago but has faced strong Republican opposition. 

Washington, D.C.— The U.S. House of Representatives took an important step yesterday in passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. It affirmed that every person has the right to earn a living without workplace discrimination.   

Discrimination in any form is wrong, and the American Federation of Teachers has a long, proud history of fighting against it. We are pleased that the House passed this important legislation and strongly urge the Senate to follow suit.

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