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Unitarian Universalist Policy

In addition to our general affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the Unitarian Universalist Association has passed several resolutions specifically pertaining to employment non-discrimination of BGLT (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender) persons. The following are excerpted from these statements.

Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act with Transgender Inclusion and Protection

2007 Action of Immediate Witness (Read Full Text)

WHEREAS our Unitarian Universalist Principles call us to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and to promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;

WHEREAS only 13 states plus the District of Columbia have policies prohibiting both sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in employment, seven other states have laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation only, and about 100 municipalities in the 30 other states without non-discrimination statutes have local non-discrimination laws;

WHEREAS most people employed in the United States can be fired on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity;

WHEREAS H.R. 2015, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), as introduced in the 110th Congress, would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and provide employment protections similar to those of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (also known as "Title VII") but specifically directed to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association expresses its support for immediate action in Congress to pass into law H.R. 2015, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act;

Support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994

1994 Resolution of Immediate of Witness (Read Full Text)

BECAUSE Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; and

WHEREAS Senator Edward Kennedy, along with Senator John Chafee and with the support of over 25 other Senators and 108 members of the House of Representatives, has introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994 (ENDA);

WHEREAS job discrimination resulting from prejudice is unprofitable, lowers productivity, and is a threat to anyone who is perceived to have an orientation disliked by their employer;

WHEREAS it is simple justice for gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals to be judged in their job settings like all other Americans, by their performance and not by their sexual orientation;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 1994 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association urges Unitarian Universalist individuals and congregations in the United States to demonstrate active support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act by:

learning the facts about what this legislation will and will not do; communicating their support of ENDA to their Congressional representatives; speaking out in public forums; working to dispel the misinformation and lies on this issue which are promulgated by the far right-wing political and religious groups;

Discrimination Against Homosexuals and Bisexuals

1970 General Resolution (Read Full Text)

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the 1970 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association:

Urges all peoples immediately to bring an end to all discrimination against homosexuals, homosexuality, bisexuals, and bisexuality, with specific immediate attention to the following issues:

a person's sexual orientation or practice shall not be a factor in the granting or renewing of federal security clearance, visas, and the granting of citizenship or employment;

Calls upon the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) and its member churches, fellowships, and organizations immediately to end all discrimination against homosexuals in employment practices, expending special effort to assist homosexuals to find employment in our midst consistent with their abilities and desires;

For more information contact la_bglt @ uua.org.

Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.