Lynn C. Woolsey: “I rise in support of H.R. 3685. Before I came to Congress, I was a human resources executive, and even then, during the…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3685. Before I came to Congress, I was a human resources executive, and even then, during the 1970s, my company had a policy that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. It boggles my mind that it has taken Congress this long to even try to catch up. I acknowledge that today's bill is a good start, but it is just a beginning. Many of my constituents want this legislation to include provisions that were in the original version of the bill and in the amendment that Representative Baldwin will introduce later today. I share the concern that the legislation before us does not protect the transgendered people. Transgendered people are particularly subject to workplace discrimination, and nearly one-half of all transgendered people have reported employment discrimination at some point in their lives. My home State of California is one of a dozen States which already provide this basic liberty, freedom from discrimination based on gender identity. We have done so because we recognize that transgendered people, like all people, deserve protection. Today's bill is not perfect, but please know that today and every day I commit to working with my colleagues to pass this bill and to keep up the fight to expand protection for all peoples.”