Four senators—two Democrat, two Republican—introduced the Employment Non Discrimination Act of 2009 (“ENDA”) in Congress on August 5, 2009.  This is an important bill in that it would provide anti-discrimination protection for gay or transgendered employees or those that are perceived to be gay or transgendered.   The perceived part of this Act is what is interesting to me in that while most people know or assume that openly gay individuals face discrimination in the workplace what many don’t know (unless of course you’re a plaintiff’s employment lawyer) is that employees regularly face termination or harassment in the workplace simply because a manager or co-worker (incorrectly) assumes they are gay when they really are not, i.e. the “butch” female stereotype or “overly-sensitive” male stereotype. 

This bill has not only bi-partisanship support but also bi-partisan sponsorship with two female Republican senators joining as co-sponsors. 

Currently 39 states still allow the discriminatory hiring or firing of gay or transgendered individuals.  This bill, of course, would change that.

If ever there was a year when a bill like this had a chance of passing this is it.  If you are interested in supporting this bill contact your representatives and encourage their support. 



Kristin Case
The Case Law Firm,LLC.
Chicago, Illinois
(312) 920-0400
kcase@thecaselawfirm.com
www.thecaselawfirm.com