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National Equality March on Washington (Alex Thomas/MNS)
WASHINGTON – Gay rights activists are fighting hard for what they call full federal rights. Organizers of the National Equality March Sunday were motivated by the larger than expected turnout and are excited about where this campaign is headed. However gay rights groups still have a lot of work ahead of them as they push Congress to pass legislation on gay marriage, employment discrimination and the right to openly serve in the military as a gay citizen.
These issues are currently not protected under federal law, and activists say total equality would include the right to all three. One main focus is “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” the policy enacted by President Bill Clinton that forces gay members of the military to keep their sexual orientation a secret. Activists are pushing President Barack Obama to repeal the act, a promise he made during his campaign.
Related: Thousands in Washington call for same-sex marriage legislation at National Equality March…
Story and photos by Michelle Minkoff/MNS
Another focus is the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, commonly known as ENDA. This bill would prohibit employment discrimination solely based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It is currently legal in 29 states to fire someone based on sexual orientation, and in 38 states to fire someone based on gender identity. ENDA is now before Congress, and for the first time ever, an administration official testified in favor of the bill.
Groups like the National Center for Transgender Equality are training other groups to lobby Congress and to speak out to their communities about the importance of the federal gay rights campaign. Leaders in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community are hosting workshops to demonstrate how both positive and negative personal experiences can be used in their fight for equality.