President Obama is pushing for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which will prevent employers from discriminating against employees based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity. While US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission laws prevent employer discrimination, it excludes the LGBT community.
President Barack Obama contends that Americans have a right to fair and equal treatment by law. The EEOC excludes a large portion of the population, allowing employers to discriminate against employees or potential employees based on their sexual orientation.
As reported by EEOC.gov , current law protects employees and job applicants from harassment and unfair treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, disability, or genetic information.
Those who believe they are victims of discrimination have the option of filing a Charge of Discrimination against the employer.
President Obama wants the LGBT community to have similar protection. In a Huffington Post column, the president made a public plea for Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
The act would prohibit employers from discriminating against LGBT residents during the application process and throughout their employment. The president said the act is vital in maintaining equality :
“… our nation’s journey toward equality isn’t complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”
The president points out that many private business have already adopted policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. He said that the policies are not only “the right thing to do” they also “make good economic sense.”
Obama explains that the act is a vital step in economic recovery. He said that it is difficult to create jobs and experience growth when employers exclude applicants based on their personal life:
“We believe that no matter who you are, if you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve the chance to follow your dreams and pursue your happiness. That’s America’s promise.”
President Obama’s support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is part of his administration’s commitment to promoting equality for all US residents.
[Image via Wikimedia ]