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Fighting for Equality in the Workplace

Dear Friend,

Providing equality of opportunity for all people is a goal we all share. That is why I was thrilled with the historic vote taken recently by the United States Senate to outlaw workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans.

As you may know, by a bipartisan vote of 64-32, the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act(ENDA). This bill would make workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity against federal law. I strongly support ENDA and am proud to be joined by 194 of Members as a cosponsor of the United States House of Representatives version of the bill.

As difficult as it may be to believe, it is still legal in many parts of this country to fire, demote, or otherwise take an adverse employment action against someone just because they are LGBT. Such discrimination is outrageous and has absolutely no place in our society. We must outlaw it once and for all, and we must do that now. That is what this legislation would accomplish, and the House needs to consider ENDA without delay.

More broadly, throughout my career I always have fought for LGBT rights. As a former Assistant District Attorney for Alameda County, I prosecuted LGBT hate crimes. Now, as a Member of Congress, in addition to cosponsoring ENDA, I signed a legal brief to the Supreme Court in support of finding unconstitutional the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and cosponsored legislation to prevent students from being denied access to programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This is just some of my work on behalf of the LGBT community.

It is simply unconscionable that anyone would be treated unfairly because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Passing this legislation is one important step on the road to achieving full equality for LGBT Americans, and I look forward to continuing to walk down that road with you.

Please do not hesitate to contact one of our East Bay Offices at 510-370-3322 or 925-460-5100, or stop by if there is anything we can do for you. Our district staff is here to assist with any federal issue you might have, including service federal student loan information, military academy nominations, and more. To stay in touch, you can also connect on Twitter @RepSwalwell and on Facebook.

Sincerely,

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Eric Swalwell
Member of Congress