WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate reintroduced of an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would create federal protections against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“In today’s economy, job security is important to all Americans, especially LGBT people who can be fired for no other reason than their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Joe Solmonese. “Passing ENDA is a key element of making sure all Americans can get back to work and get our country moving again.”

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would address discrimination in the workplace by making it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Such protections currently exist in 21 states and D.C. for sexual orientation and 12 states and DC for gender identity.

Among Fortune 500 companies, 87 percent have sexual orientation non-discrimination policies and 46 percent have gender identity non-discrimination policies.  Additionally, more than 85 companies have joined the Business Coalition for Workplace Fairness, a group of leading U.S. employers that support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.