Add your name to the list
of Arkansas Allies for ENDA

Share your story. Help educate our legislators. Make a statement for full equality.

Add your name to the list of Arkansans who don't think there is anything special about equal rights for all. Tell your representatives that you support full equality for all - including LGBT people.

"I am an Arkansan who doesn't think there is anything special about equal rights for all. I urge you to make a public statement about the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and support the legislation when it comes before Congress for a vote."

Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would provide basic protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Once law the bill would not apply to religious organizations or businesses with fewer than 15 employees. ENDA was introduced in the 111th Congress by Representatives Barney Frank (D-MA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) in the House. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

Why are we asking Arkansans to speak out?

On October 25th, 2009, Max Brantley reported on Arkansas Blog about a letter to an Arkansan from Senator Blanche Lincoln's office in response to an inquiry about the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Although Mr. Brantley, as well as many Arkansans, interprets the letter as anti-ENDA, Lincoln's office maintains that she has "no current public position" on ENDA. They have also stated that the "special rights" portion has been removed from the form letter and that it was there through some "confusion" which is not being explained. We thought you should read the full text of the letter and come to your own conclusions.

The following is the form letter from Senator Blanche Lincoln's office in response to constituent correspondence about ENDA. Thanks to the Center for Artistic Revolution for supplying the full text.

September 29, 2009

Dear G:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (S. 1584) which would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

As the youngest woman ever to serve in the United States Senate, I understand how important it is that the principles of equality and opportunity apply to all Americans. I feel Congress has a duty to ensure that discrimination does not prevent anyone from realizing their full potential.

However, equal rights should not become special rights, and I appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts with me on this important issue. You can be sure I will remember the concerns you raised if this or similar legislation is considered in the U.S. Senate.

Thank you again for contacting me. To learn more about my work in Congress, I encourage you to visit my online office and sign up for my e-newsletter at http://www.lincoln.senate.gov. I am proud to serve the citizens of Arkansas in the United States Senate and hope you will not hesitate to let me know whenever I may be of assistance to you.

Sincerely,
Blanche L. Lincoln

BLL/kc