Ruling Demonstrates Need for Transgender Non-Discrimination Law

by Admin •

'The American people believe that employees should be judged on performance and nothing else,' said HRC's Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement regarding a U.S. District Court ruling saying federal law allows transgender Americans to be discriminated against in the workplace:

"The American people believe that employees should be judged on performance and nothing else. Corporate America is leading the way in ensuring that transgender employees are able to do their job free of harassment and discrimination. It's time for Congress to follow.

"The majority of Americans already think that there is federal law that makes sure nobody can be fired merely for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. And when they're told that such a clear law doesn't exist, they support its enactment.

"We are committed to working for the day that Krystal Etsitty, who brought her case before this District Court, and other GLBT Americans are free to do their job without worrying about being fired for who they are."

Etsitty, who is transitioning from male to female, was fired by the Utah Transit Authority where she worked briefly as a bus driver. Upon the June 24 dismissal of her lawsuit against the Utah Transit Authority, U.S. District Judge David Sam reasoned laws that prohibit sex discrimination only apply to a person's biological sex.

From 2003 to 2004, the number of Fortune 500 companies with non-discrimination policies covering gender identity and expression rose by 89 percent. Major companies with these policies include: Ernst & Young, Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, Viacom and Chevron.



WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement regarding a U.S. District Court ruling saying federal law allows transgender Americans to be discriminated against in the workplace:

"The American people believe that employees should be judged on performance and nothing else. Corporate America is leading the way in ensuring that transgender employees are able to do their job free of harassment and discrimination. It's time for Congress to follow.

"The majority of Americans already think that there is federal law that makes sure nobody can be fired merely for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. And when they're told that such a clear law doesn't exist, they support its enactment.

"We are committed to working for the day that Krystal Etsitty, who brought her case before this District Court, and other GLBT Americans are free to do their job without worrying about being fired for who they are."

Etsitty, who is transitioning from male to female, was fired by the Utah Transit Authority where she worked briefly as a bus driver. Upon the June 24 dismissal of her lawsuit against the Utah Transit Authority, U.S. District Judge David Sam reasoned laws that prohibit sex discrimination only apply to a person's biological sex.

From 2003 to 2004, the number of Fortune 500 companies with non-discrimination policies covering gender identity and expression rose by 89 percent. Major companies with these policies include: Ernst & Young, Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, Viacom and Chevron.

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