Here’s another example of why sexual preference and gender identity should be made protected classes on a federal level.
Zikerria Bellamy, a 17-year transgender female was not only refused an interview with a Florida McDonald’s on the basis of her gender identity (after filling out an online application), but was subject to further humiliation by the restaurant’s manager who called her later on and said “We don’t hire faggots”. Ms. Bellamy has since filed suit. In response to the suit, McDonald’s stated that they terminated the manager who made the disparaging remarks.
Per the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund:
In Florida, while no law explicitly addresses discrimination based on gender identity, administrative agencies in Florida have ruled that transgender people are protected by the Florida Human Rights Act’s prohibitions on sex and disability discrimination. The Competitive Workforce Bill, which would add gender identity and sexual orientation to the Florida Civil Rights Act, was introduced in the Florida legislature on November 20.
At the federal level, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) (S.1584) 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 gender identity or sexual orientation at companies with fifteen or more employees. The legislation was introduced in the United States Senate on August 5, 2009. On November 5, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held the Senate’s first hearing on the latest version of ENDA. A version of ENDA was also introduced in the United States House of Representatives on June 24, 2009. The House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on the measure on September 23. Little has happened since.
No matter how jaded I think I am, I am always shocked by such cruel and unnecessary behavior, particularly from a manager who should know better.
Hear the offensive message for yourself:
Also, you can find McDonald’s score from the Human Rights Campaign “Corporate Equality Index” here. [via The Consumerist].
I guess 85 out of 100 isn’t bad, but it does show that more work does need to be done.
Thanks to Rebecca for the tip!