Indianapolis - The President of Indiana's statewide gay civil rights organization has written to all members of Indiana's congressional delegation urging them to support employment non-discrimination legislation that is inclusive of gender identity and/or gender expression.

"Lesbian, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans need to be protected from discrimination in employment based on their sexual orientation and gender identity," said Jon Keep, president of Indiana Equality. "We must leave no one behind in our civil rights work - especially those who are most vulnerable."

Until recently, the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would prohibit discrimination in employment decisions based on one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Some Congressional leaders have expressed concern that including gender identity would jeopardize passage of the legislation.

"Indiana Equality believes that everyone should be treated fairly and equitably and that includes people who do not fit traditional gender stereotypes," commented Julie Anderton, Vice-Chair of Indiana Equality.

Anderton noted that the human rights ordinances in Indianapolis and Bloomington include gender identity protections.

"If protecting transgender people can play in Indiana, it certainly can and should play in DC," observed Anderton.

 Indiana Equality Website