WASHINGTON- Today the U.S. House of Representatives' Education and Workforce Committee voted 21-27 to report H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act providing workplace protections on the basis of sexual orientation, out of committee and onto the floor of the House for a full vote expected next week. Four Republican amendments were offered in committee and were defeated. To view the language and a description of each of the four amendments go to: www.hrcbackstory.org

"Now our community must focus our full attention to the upcoming floor vote on ENDA and building support for Rep. Tammy Baldwin's amendment that would make this bill fully inclusive of the entire GLBT community," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "HRC continues our fight for a bill that protects our entire community. Now is the time to act. Call your representatives today and urge them to vote in favor of Rep. Baldwin's amendment."

Yesterday, HRC issued a nationwide call to action to encourage its members and supporters to contact members of Congress to tell them to support Rep. Baldwin's amendment. To read the action alert, please visit www.passendanow.org.

To read Rep. Baldwin's statement announcing her intention to offer an amendment to ENDA that would add protections based on gender identity, please go to http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2007/10/breaking-enda-h.html.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.