Greetings,

Today, Senator Jeff Merkley (OR-D) joined by Senators Susan Collins (ME-R), and Edward M. Kennedy (MA-D) introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in an important show of bipartisan support. This bill, which would extend existing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, is much needed and long overdue.

We have a good chance of passing this bill, but we need your help! President Obama has said that he is ready to sign this bill. All we need now is for the Senate to act.

It is essential that you contact your Senators and urge them to support this bill and ask them to become a co-sponsor. Becoming a co-sponsor shows other members of Congress that your Senator will stand in solidarity with our community, which helps build momentum for the bill’s passage.

Subject: Please Pass an Inclusive ENDA in 2009!

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

Please support an inclusive ENDA - the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans from losing their jobs just because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity.

According to numerous surveys, large majorities of likely voters in the U.S. support federal employment non-discrimination laws to protect LGBT people. Polling data from 2006 shows that voters are more likely to support a candidate who votes for LGBT anti-discrimination laws than candidates who do not.

Federal law already bans job discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and other categories that are essential to a person's being. Currently, 12 states and more than 100 localities have LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination protections, covering nearly 40 percent of Americans. But that is not enough.

LGBT Americans deserve and need the ability to work -- just like every American. Please help by sponsoring and supporting the inclusive ENDA introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]