Senate Scheduled to Consider LGBT Employment Discrimination Law

Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev., recently announced plans to submit the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to the Senate for a vote within the next few weeks. Though an earlier version of ENDA was passed in 2007, transgender people were not included as a protected class.

Employers are generally prohibited from firing or refusing to hire people based on a protected status, including race, religion, gender, national origin, age and disability. Like other laws which prohibit discrimination based on a protected status, the new ENDA would extend protection to gays, lesbians, transsexuals and transgender people.

In absence of federal employment anti-discrimination legislation, 22 states have passed their own anti-discrimination laws.

The updated ENDA was approved by a 15-7 committee vote in July, but it is not certain whether Reid's bill has enough support to get the 60 votes needed to clear procedural hurdles in the Senate.

At Peterson Law Group, we encourage you to participate in the law-making process, whether you are in favor of or opposed to pending legislation. Contact your senator and make your opinion known.

For legal advice related to employment issues or any other business law matter, contact an experienced Bryan-College Station, Texas business law attorney. We provide assistance and answer questions for business law clients throughout Brazos County and the surrounding areas. Call the Peterson Law Group to make an appointment at 979-703-7014 or fill out our online contact form.