The Human Rights
Campaign adopted a
policy statement
on Wednesday that says the group will not support the
Employment Non-Discrimination Act if it excludes protections
for transgender individuals. The statement was approved by the
HRC board of directors in Washington, D.C.
"It's the policy of HRC that the organization will only
support an inclusive ENDA," says the statement. It calls the
organization's previous decision to support an ENDA without
transgender protections a "one-time exception."
HRC received heavy criticism in 2007 when it opted to support a
version of ENDA that only included protections for sexual
orientation, and not gender identity. Democratic leaders in the
House of Representatives at the time said they did not have the
votes to pass a trans-inclusive ENDA.
"We will not support such a strategy again," says the
statement. "We look forward to Congress sending President
Obama a fully inclusive ENDA for his signature."
ENDA passed the House without transgender protections in 2007,
but the Senate failed to vote on it. No vote or debate on the
measure is scheduled yet this year.