On November 7, 2013, the United States Senate passed bill S.815, titled the Employment Non-Discrimination Act ("ENDA"). The bill will next be passed to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to face stiff opposition.
As we previously posted here, if passed into law, ENDA would prohibit covered employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill also bars employers from creating quotas on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. ENDA would permit disparate treatment claims but not disparate impact causes of action. Like other federal non-discrimination laws, ENDA contains a non-retaliation provision that protects employees who oppose any practice made unlawful by the Act.
Although ENDA was supported by ten Republican Senators, the bill is expected to face a tough hurdle in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Check this blog regularly as we track the progress of this bill.
Originally published on the Employer's Law Blog
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
