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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 212-549-2666, media@aclu.org

WASHINGTON – The Senate today voted to begin debate on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) by a bipartisan vote of 61-30. ENDA would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in most American workplaces.

"Tonight, we are one step closer to finally enshrining in law the basic principle that job applicants and employees should be judged on their professional credentials and the caliber of their work, and not be penalized because of who they are," said Ian Thompson, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û legislative representative. "We urge the Senate to pass these long-sought and overdue protections without delay."

A vote on final passage in the Senate is expected later this week.