GLBT Community: Pass A Trans-Inclusive ENDA!

The recent debate over whether the Democratic Congress should pursue a version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that did not include explicit protections for transgendered persons has come to a positive conclusion.  It seems our community is sticking together, and I couldn't be more pleased.

Last week, it was announced the support among key Democrats had fallen for the bill because of the transgender inclusion, and people began to embrace the new proposed bill being sponsored by Barney Frank (D-MA).  But, a funny thing happened on the way to "throwing our 'T' friends under the bus."  Nobody in the GLBT community would accept that we were justified in sacrificing a part of our community even if it means we all wait longer for workplace discrimination protections.

Well, we did the right thing, folks. As I stated in an email earlier this week, I'll take my workplace equality when it applies to ALL of us, thanks.  This move on the part of the GLBT community is a much better strategy for ALL of us.  Education of those wavering Democrats may not be easy, but it must be done.

But there's actually a little more to this story.  You see, Lamda Legal warned that the non-inclusive ENDA wasn't just more exclusive.  It was actually a weaker bill.  That alone is unacceptable.  However, it wasn't the most offensive thing about the newly proposed ENDA bill.  The most offensive thing, obviously, is that it excluded an important part of our community--transgendered people.

Today it was announced that HRC would stick with the vast majority of other GLBT organizations and back the original trans-inclusive ENDA bill.  Thank goodness.

So, the question remains, what on earth was Barney Frank thinking?  Well, he actually explains that quite well on his web page.  However, thank goodness he issued a joint statement with Nancy Pelosi, George Miller (the committee chairman), and Tammy Baldwin stating they will pursue the original bill but do it later in hopes of getting the necessary votes.

With all due respect to Barney Frank, and the heritage of the civil rights movement, and the "take what you can get" notion, it would simply have been wrong to do it.  The vast majority of people out there get that, and that's why the opposition to a less inclusive ENDA was overwhelming.  In the end, this is a better strategy particularly given Bush's likely inclination to veto the bill, regardless of what Congress sends him.  Find the necessary votes, do more education, take the vote.  Get them on record against fairness.  Use that in campaigns to focus more people on the issue, and win more support in the voting public.

Clearly, the good news is our community's outrage and unity has paid off.  Isn't it nice to feel like our voices actually are mattering in this Congress, and isn't that a refreshing change from last year?