Kudos to the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act!!! Congratulations to the Democratic leadership and to the 200 Democrats and 35 Republicans who took a historic stand against employment discrimination. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church has been on record since 1978 as opposing discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation -- so it's encouraging to see this finally receive Congressional approval. Congratulations also to the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, More Light Presbyterians, the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and innumerable people of faith throughout the country who helped to make this victory possible.
John Lewis (D-GA) gave an extraordinary speech on the floor of the House today in support of the ENDA.
Here's the text:
“Madam Speaker, I for one fought too long
and too hard to end discrimination based on race and color, not to
stand up against discrimination against our gay and lesbian brothers
and sisters. During the 1960’s, we broke down those signs that said
‘white’ and ‘colored.’ Call it what you may, to discriminate against
someone because they are gay is wrong, it is wrong, it is not right.
There’s not any room in our society for discrimination. Today we must
take this important step after more than 30 long years and pass the
employment Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It is the right thing to
do. It is the moral thing to do. Let us do it. Not just for this
generation but for generations yet unborn. Today we have an opportunity
to bring down more signs. Now is the time to do what is right, what is
fair, what is just. The time is always right to do right. Let us pass
this bill.”
Click on this (link) to see the YouTube video (or watch it below):
