Anti- Discrimination Legislation

North Dakota State Senate Passes Anti-Discrimination Legislation

On February 19th, North Dakota Senate approved a bill that would make their Human Rights Act incorporate gays, lesbians, bisexual, and trans gender people. The voting results were 27 to 19.

The bill will prevent employers to discriminate against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans gender people. The Human Rights Act already establishes a no discriminating policy according to sex, race, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, and public assistance status. It is clarified, however, that if a person is not doing their job to their potential that they can be fired whether the person be gay, lesbian, or straight. The main point is that employers cannot fire someone simply because they are gay. Also, religious organizations are amended from the bill.

I feel that this is a great step for gays, lesbians, etc. Although I do not agree with their choice of lifestyle, I still feel that everyone should be treated equally. Our nation is built on equality and I do not think that gays should be exempt for this. They are Americans as well and should receive the same treatment as every other American.

We all know that discrimination exists everywhere, but maybe this bill could help decrease the level of discrimination in the workplace. There should be a bill passed like this in every state. No one deserves to be treated badly. You cannot make a person's choices for them, and just because you do not understand their decision, does not mean that you should judge and make assumptions on what type of employee this person would be.

I hope that hen this bill goes through the House, that it will be passed and will go into affect. Everyone deserves a chance, not based on their lifestyle choice.