FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 17, 2007

United ENDA Responds to Baldwin-led Effort to Restore Gender Identity Protections to ENDA

(Washington, D.C., October 17, 2007) — The United ENDA coalition released the following statement in response to Rep. Tammy Baldwin’s (D-WI) intention to introduce an amendment to restore gender identity protections to ENDA:

Two weeks ago, our community was told that gender identity would not be included in any version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Congressional Leadership expected our community to acquiesce. Instead, we marshaled an unprecedented grassroots response. Within days, hundreds of local, state, and national organizations committed to fighting for a fully inclusive ENDA under the banner United ENDA.

More than three hundred organizations representing more than a million members flooded phone lines and congressional offices demanding a bill that protects all of us from discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

Our efforts caused Congressional leaders to delay a planned vote two weeks ago. Members of Congress responded to the successful strategy of our coalition and many expressed their strong desire to vote for an inclusive bill that protects all lesbian, gay, bisexual , and transgender people. Today, our united voices have paved the way for a new option proposed by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin.

Let us be clear: We believe Congress should take up the original, inclusive ENDA bill HB 2015. However, if we are faced with a non-inclusive bill following the committee vote, we will work with Congresswoman Baldwin to repair ENDA to include protections on the basis of gender identity. We appreciate that Congressional leaders like Congresswoman Baldwin continue to share our commitment to pass an inclusive bill.

United ENDA continues to be fueled by unprecedented grassroots engagement and support enthusiasm throughout the LGBT community for a bill that protects all LGBT people. We must now build on our success to carry our momentum into next week as we prepare for a floor vote on the Baldwin amendment.