Rep. Lofgren Votes to Pass Employment Non-Discrimination Act

Bill Would Protect Workers from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) today voted in favor of H.R.3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). This legislation makes it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against employees simply based on their sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation. ENDA applies to all private sector employers with 15 or more employees, employment agencies, labor organizations, and joint labor-management committees. The legislation does provide an exemption for private membership clubs and religious organizations, which are already exempt under Title VII’s religious discriminations prohibitions.

“The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is an important piece of human rights legislation,” noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “While California already has state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, this bipartisan bill will finally grant those same protections to all Americans. For far too long Congress stood by and failed to protect the rights of the LGBT community. Every American should have the right to work and earn a living. This new Congress is charting a new direction, one where all American’s are guaranteed basic human rights and protections.”

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her seventh term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. She serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She also Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.