Discrimination Against LGBT Community

The dictionary defines discrimination as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or identified sex and sexual orientation. The term LGBT stands for, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. These terms refer to sexual orientation and also gender identity. Every day people of the LGBT community suffer wrongful terminations and oppression in their schools for their sexual orientation or identified gender.

For example, one issue that has yet to be dealt with is the matter of discrimination in the workplace environment. Currently, it is legal in 34 states for an employer to terminate an employee on the basis of their sexual orientation. Only 21 states and Washington D.C. have laws that disallow discrimination against sexual orientation, and 17 states and the District of Columbia have some type of laws in place concerning discrimination against gender identity. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, “would provide basic protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity” (Human Rights Campaign). The act follows basic given civil rights laws granted to every American. The bill has passed the Senate, and now journeys to the House of Representatives for consideration, but currently there is only a 14 percent chance of the bill even being ratified. The percent chance is extremely discouraging, not only to people who have experienced discrimination but to civil rights advocates across the country.

One case of workplace discrimination is Schroer v. Library of Congress. Diane Schroer, who began her career as Dan Schroer, “was an Airborne Ranger qualified Special Forces officer who completed over 450 par...

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"Schroer v. Library of Congress - Case Profile." American Civil Liberties Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.

Klein, Rebecca. "Arkansas High School Reportedly Stops Yearbook From Publishing Story About Gay Student." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 17 Mar. 2014.

Marquez, Ray Sanchez and Miguel. "Arizona Lawmakers Pass Controversial Anti-gay Bill." CNN. Cable News Network, 21 Feb. 2014. Web.

Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Your Rights | Nolo.com." Nolo.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.

"The Immoral Minority." : Conservative Idaho Lawmakers Craft Bill Protecting Business Owners Who Refuse Service to Anybody Whose Lifestyle Conflicts with Their Religious Belief. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.

Weissmann, Jordan. "There Is No Good Reason to Let Companies Discriminate Against Gay Workers." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 04 Nov. 2013.