Two Transgender Members Quit HRC Business Council Over ENDA

Two transgender members of the Human Rights Campaign's business council quit Tuesday, saying the group's support of an employment nondiscrimination bill that excluded transgender workers put them ''in an untenable position.''

Jamison Green and Donna Rose's resignations are effective immediately, according to a joint letter. The Human Rights Campaign works for equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people.

''Considering recent broken promises, the lack of credibility that HRC has with the transgender community at large, and HRC's apparent lack of commitment to healing the breach it has caused, we find it impossible to maintain an effective working relationship with the organization,'' they said.

The U.S. House of Representatives, with support from HRC, earlier this month passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The measure would make it illegal for employers to make decisions about hiring, firing, promoting, or paying an employee based on sexual orientation.

But it does not protect transgender workers. That term covers transsexuals, cross-dressers, and others whose outward appearance does not match their gender at birth.

Supporters of the bill say it would not have passed the House if it had included transgender protection. However, many transgender activists and their supporters were furious at their exclusion from the legislation and lobbied to scrap it.

The bill is now in the Senate.

''HRC has always and will continue to be supportive of a fully inclusive ENDA that protects our entire community,'' said Human Rights Campaign spokesman Brad Luna. ''While HRC was disappointed the bill did not include protections for transgender Americans, we believe it paves the way for additional progress to outlaw workplace discrimination based on gender identity.''

Luna added, ''We wish Donna and Jamison well in their future endeavors.'' (AP)

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