Dear Congressman,
I urge you to oppose H.R. 2981 - H.R. 3017 - S. 1584: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The negative implications of the bill on the work place environment, employment litigation, and society are significant. ENDA will trigger unnecessary employee disputes and present problems and pressures for both workers and employers.
ENDA is aimed at providing heightened protections for particular sexual behaviors. It would grant special consideration on the basis of "sexual orientation" that would not be extended to other employees in the work place.
The case has not been made that systemic and widespread discrimination justifies a new legally protected class. Don't you think that you have a right to work without being subjected to sexual expressions, political agendas and other non-work related conduct? For example, as employers prepare to comply with the legislation and guard against frivolous claims, employees will be trained to be more "sensitive" to gay and lesbian co-workers and pressured to embrace and promote all values, even those that violate their own religious or personal convictions.
ENDA violates employers' and employees' Constitutional freedoms of religion, speech and association. The proposed legislation would prohibit employers from taking their deeply held beliefs into account when making personnel decisions. This would pose an unprecedented intrusion by the federal government into people's lives.
ENDA would approvingly bring private behavior considered immoral by many into the public square. By declaring that all sexual preferences are equally valid, ENDA would change national policy supporting marriage and family.
ENDA would strike at the very heart of our American liberties, and I urge you to oppose it.
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Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 and the right to guarantee employment to individuals regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on such an important issue.
Today, too many individuals within the United States are either losing or are unable to obtain jobs due to their sexual orientations or gender. These Americans simply want to go to work and live quality lives, contributing their talents and energy to our great nation. We are a better nation when everyone here has an opportunity to succeed and the discrimination and fear of termination that they currently face should not be allowed under federal law.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act was introduced on August 5th by Senator Jeff Merkely. I am a cosponsor of the bill because I believe that there is great strength in our diversity. Given a fair opportunity at employment, the American people make up the greatest workforce on earth. Together, we can revitalize our economy and once again lead the world. While the legislation has currently been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, rest assured that I will continue to fight to provide all Americans with an equal opportunity for success.
I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Illinoisans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Illinois and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation's politics.
Sincerely,
Roland W. Burris
United States Senator
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