Interesting Response

[kristencordy.livejournal.com]

I sent an email to my congressman and he sent this back to me.  Let's all hope he can help with the admendmant and we can celebrate.

Thank you for your letter about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) currently under consideration in Congress. The long, thirty-three year history of this legislation is very meaningful to me, and I am excited that Democrats finally have a majority in Congress that will to bring it to a vote.

 In HR 2015, the first ENDA bill that was filed this year, gender identity protections were included for the first time. As a cosponsor of HR 2015, I fully support ending all discrimination in the workplace based on either sexual orientation or gender identity and would have voted for this legislation.

 I understand your concerns about passing a bill (HR 3685) that does not include gender identity protections. As I look back on how we have achieved civil rights legislation, I am struck that each accomplishment was both monumental and yet disappointingly incomplete. I appreciate the advocates who push for a comprehensive approach and are unwilling to accept anything less.

 As a member of Congress, I have consistently supported extending discrimination protections and feel that any opportunity to expand protections should be pursued, however incomplete. It is my understanding that Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin will be offering an amendment to include gender identity protection when HR 3685 comes to the floor. I will support both HR 3685 and Rep. Baldwin's amendment to include gender identity protections. I hope that both will be adopted by the House and the Senate. If gender identity is not included, I will continue to fight for the addition of protections for the transgender community in the laws that prohibit discrimination.

 Thank you again for your letter. I appreciate your reflections on how we achieve victory and look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Earl Blumenauer
Member of Congress