Tom Harkin: “today the Senate is sending a clear message that all Americans are entitled to earn a living free from discrimination…”

“today the Senate is sending a clear message that all Americans are entitled to earn a living free from discrimination and to be judged in the workplace based on qualifications, ability, and integrity. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is simple and clear. It states that private businesses, public employers, and labor unions cannot make employment decisions--hiring, firing, promotion, or compensation-- because of a person's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is modeled on title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a law that has been in place for almost 50 years. It is a law that is well understood by employers and is strongly supported by employers. More than 50 years ago, with the Civil Rights Act, we took the first steps to eliminate discrimination at work. Since that time we have ensured that the employers may not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, or age. In 1990 with passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act we ensured that Americans were not discriminated against on the basis of a disability. Today, for the first time, the Senate goes on record prohibiting discrimination at work on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Yesterday I entered into a colloquy with Senator Leahy, the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee with regard to Senate amendment No. 2012. I would like to further clarify my response to Senator Leahy.…”