Comments on: ENDA hearings recap

By: DaveW

DaveW — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:30:52 +0000

I actually totally understand why people are against this. I don’t agree with them, but this is how it is. Either, as with the christian broadcasters, they do not want us sinners around them which is simply bigotry but it is central to their very definition of who they are….nobody that lives outside their definition of accepted morality is welcome. The other reason is much more pragmatic and it is what Kline is getting at: it is already difficult to properly fire someone, and as and employer I know the frustration, and the fear these people live under.

They are afraid they will need to fire an LGBT person for real reasons and not be able to.

Today we pussyfoot around underperforming women, minorities and older people. This is because they have a better chance of sueing us. The fact is with ENDA we would add us to that list, and that is what they fear.

Now, it may simply be bigotry, but it isn’t for everyone.

It simply shows we need to make it clear we need these protections AND we will not abuse them.

I am struggling with something like this right now. These are real issues and as uncomfortable as it is, if the person is in a protected class we are simply gun shy.

So the solution is difficult and needs to be done right. It is naive to simply say none of the opposition makes sense…true for the bigots, but that is not the only dynamic.

By: Sweetkisses

Sweetkisses — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:54:34 +0000

I do not understand why anybody would be against non-discrimination for people in the work place. What good does it do to fire or refuse work to someone who is homosexual? It does not affect our ability to work.

By: Drewski

Drewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:04:40 +0000

Let me understand this. Rep. Kline is arguing that it should be legal to fire people who show up to work, who do their work, and who pay their bills? What kind of chode thinks that this is “conservative”? Last I checked, the GOP used to make a big deal about people helping themselves. This shows his underlying ignorance and bigotry.

FYI, I googled his name, went to his website, but wasn’t allowed to send an e-mail there. Evidently it kicks you out if your zip code isn’t in his district. That’s OK. His office number in DC is 202 225 2271. I will be calling his office in the morning.

Joanna Sue…I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve been there. It feels strange…again, you go to work, you do your job, and somebody fires you not because you’re late, not because you’re lazy, not because of any performance issue, but because of who you are. It’s infuriating because you need money to eat and have a home, and here you’ve had your job taken away because of something totally unrelated to your job performance. It can feel embarrassing, even humiliating. It shakes your confidence, and leaves you with dread when you apply for another job and have to explain why you were fired. It’s wrong.

By: Joanna Sue Morse

Joanna Sue Morse — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:15:31 +0000

I just know I likely would not be unemployed today if this law were in place last year at this time. Hopefully it will be passed and become law so I am no longer a second class citizen.

By: Wayne M.

Wayne M. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:21:48 +0000

Those who oppose ending discrimination against LGBT people for employment or housing need to ask themselves why any person should be denied the basics of life– housing and the right to earn her/his living– for any reason other than incompetence in the workplace or carrying out illegal activities in a place of residence. Would these same people, particularly those of a religious persuasion accept the idea of an employer refusing to hire a worker because s/he insists on having a day off from work on Sunday (or any day of worship)? To discriminate against one group opens the door to discriminate against any group.