Jordan
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First, I would like to apologize for the abrupt end of the running commentary on Prop 8! I was having tech difficulties and then decided on a whim to rush to NYC for the demonstration.
It was there I met Todd Fernandez, one of the proponents of the American Equality Bill. A reading of this bill indicates that this analogy would be apt
American Equality Bill:ENDA::HR 676:Obamacare
In other words, its so much more comprehensive and takes into account the many special considerations for transgender people.
For example:
-The scope of the AEB is employment, housing, credit, public accomodations, education, public facilities, and federally funded programs, while ENDA is only for employment.
-It takes into consideration office dress codes vis-a-vis transgender people, allowing them to dress consistent with their gender identity, something ENDA seems to fail to do.
-It amends the Americans With Disabilities Act so that "transsexualism" and "gender identity disorder" are no longer EXCLUDED from coverage under this act.
-In order to make it as comprehensive as possible without excess paperwork, "sexual orientation" and "gender identity and expression" are added to the Civil Rights Act.
These are all good ideas, but I would like to offer four suggestions.
1. In the definition of gender identity, it should be clarified that any stage of transition (pre-op, post-op, non-op, pre-hormones, non-hormones, on hormones, or even transvestitism) should be covered under the provisions of the act, including gender segregated accomodations and office dress codes.
2. Under education, there should be considerations for dress code and uniform policies at public and private non-sectarian schools, in which a student should be able to dress and groom consistent with their gender identity.
3. There should a rider to the bill that lowers the minimum number of employees for federal anti-discrimination laws (all categories) from 15 to 1
4. There should be a requirement that transition related services, whether hormonal, surgical, or cosmetic, be covered under health insurance and should pref. be tacked onto HR 676.
Most of these provisions, including those in the proposed bill and my recommendations, are already reality in my home state of New Jersey.
We need to get over ENDA-mania and realize it is a watered-down bill. Take action by contacting your congressperson, your senator, and President Obama and tell them to take on the American Equality Bill.
In writing to your government officials, PLEASE SEND THEM THE LINK TO THE AMERICAN EQUALITY BILL: http://www.actonprinciples.org/2010/06/11/introducing-the-american-equality-bill-for-community-self-empowerment-and-grassroots-leadership-our-time-has-come/
Hoping for real change
-Jordan Gwendolyn Davis
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