ENDA -- Make the Right Vote

In 31 states (including TEXAS), it's still legal to fire someone because they're gay.

In 39 states (including TEXAS) it is legal to fire someone for being transgender.

I spoke to a regional coordinator of HRC yesterday and apparently Solomon Ortiz is having some trouble voting the right way. Please be sure to give him plenty of phone calls.

There is a federal bill that could be voted on as early as this Monday (Sept. 24th) called the Equal Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA, H.R. 2015) that would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees simply based on sexual orientation or gender identity.


Many Texas representatives are on the edge about this bill and we need YOUR help to convince them! Here’s a number of ways you can help, take your pick of any or all of them. Please at least send the automated response (3) if nothing else.


Lastly, please don’t treat this as an issue without consequences. This is something that affects real people such as me and many others around you. It has real consequences, real emotion and represents discrimination against real people. Whatever your beliefs may be, as humans we all deserve a safe place to work without being judged on who we are as individuals (black, Mexican, woman, gay, Muslim, etc.).


WHAT YOU CAN DO (TODAY!!)

1) CALL the undecided Texas representatives and let them know how you feel (this is most effective and quick)

a. Henry Cuellar (28th) (202) 225 1640
b. Chet Edwards (17th) (202) 225 6105
c. Nick Lampson (22nd) (202) 225 5951
d. Solomon Ortiz (27th) (202) 225 1134
e. Kenny Marchant (24th) (202) 225 6605


2) Send them a letter in the MAIL. I can email you an easy template.

a. Henry Cuellar 336 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

b. Chet Edwards 2369 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515-4311

c. Nick Lampson 436 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515

d. Solomon Ortiz 2110 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515

e. Kenny Marchant 1037 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-4323


3) At minimum, you can let your representatives know how you feel by sending them an automated email. Simply click this link, fill-in the information and then click send. Be sure to add a little about yourself in the automated message (i.e. that you’re a medical student or professional). http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/enda_fb


Thank you so much to those that take ACTION on this matter. Email me if you have any questions/comments/concerns. You can get unbiased information about ENDA from my favorite website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employment_Non-Discrimination_Act