This discrimination 'has no place in our society'.

There are some who have criticized ENDA saying that it would force businesses to create a quota system in order to, if you will, protect themselves. We have not seen that in Oregon, that concern did not materialize.

I think, the perspective Mr. Bagenstos has presented is very much in line with all of the legal efforts to create significant and broad exemptions for these organizations.

Let us not lose sight as we wrestle over clauses that raise questions about what is a religious association, the courts have worked that out.

This discrimination is absolutely wrong. It is morally wrong and we must end it.

I really appreciate your holding a hearing on this issue, which is so critical for LGBT Americans.

We simply should not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or sexual identity, period.

This is not, nor should it be, a democratic or republican issue.

It is time now to say to all Americans no matter who you are, no matter your sexual identity, your gender identity, if you are willing to work hard, if you are willing to contribute to society, then you are important to us.

It is a matter of fundamental fairness. It is who we are as Americans.

I have not heard any businesses come back to the State legislature or come back to those of us who were involved at the time in expressing a concern that this created a flood of lawsuits because it has not been found.

ENDA is good for business, good for our employees, and our communities.

Thank you very much.

I also want to recognize the indispensable role that the late Senator Ted Kennedy played on this issue.

It is time to expand fundamental fairness to all Americans, and that is exactly what this bill does.

We wrestled with defining the boundaries of religious exemption. It seems to have worked very well in that I have never heard a single complaint in the 5 years since.

Thirty-seven religious organizations on that list, and thank you for putting it into the record.

I do think that the way that this particular statute or proposed statute is crafted has been to address a major concern, which is to create a new list of uncertainties.