Editorial Board

Iowa State Daily

Congressional leaders have been discussing bipartisan legislation that would protect gays and lesbians from being arbitrarily fired due to their sexual orientation.

This is an issue that does not require much thought. Protection of an employee’s freedom of choice is the main concern of the bill’s cosponsors. Those opposing the legislation are concerned with just how far anti-discrimination rights can be stretched.

A person’s sexual orientation is his or her own personal choice and what is done behind closed doors should not affect performance in the work environment. It is for this reason that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act deserves passage.

Those against this legislation are only closing the doors to equality and understanding of those choosing alternate lifestyles. Until an employee can be treated freely and fairly, no matter who they are, the stigma that surrounds being gay or lesbian in America’s work force will never recede.