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Howard Dean Applauds House Passage of ENDA

November 7, 2007

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the historic passage of H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act:

"This is an historic day for our Congress and our country. After more than three decades of debate, the new Democratic Congress today took a profound step toward fairness and equality by passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The guiding principle of our American democracy is a deep and abiding commitment to promoting equality under the law for every single American. Unfortunately, even though large majorities of the American people and American businesses oppose workplace discrimination, it is legal today in 30 states to fire someone simply because of his or her sexual orientation. This bipartisan bill corrects that injustice by making it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against employees simply based on their sexual orientation.

"The significance of today's victory is highlighted by the fact that it comes just one day after voters in states like Kentucky and Virginia rejected mean-spirited, anti-gay attacks by desperate Republicans who tried and failed to use equality as a wedge issue. I am proud that those shameful efforts by Republicans failed once again, and I am proud to lead a Party that continues to fight for equality. In just the last year, our Democratic Congress has turned its back on the Republican Party's divisive marriage amendments, passed a hate crimes law, and has now passed ENDA. As we move forward, the Democratic Party will continue to fight for equal rights for every American, including our friends and family in the transgender community."