Examining the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA): The Scientists Perspective

This article is an overview analysis of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, or ENDA, from the perspective of the American Psychologists Association (APA). In its short Q&A format, the article makes a case from a social science approach and research supporting legislation that protects against employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The article takes two approaches, providing user-friendly research-based counterarguments to opponents of ENDA, and providing support of reasons to endorse ENDA. Both of these approaches are useful as a primer on some of the discourse around sexual orientation and public policy, as well as a quick reference of the official perspective of the APA, a definitive voice on social science and psychological topics.

In brief, the APA article addresses the definition of sexual orientation, and asserting that it is not simply a lifestyle or behavioral choice; psychologists do not consider sexual orientation a conscious choice that can be voluntarily altered. Furthermore, since 1975, the APA has officially recognized that “homosexuality per se implies no impairment in judgment, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities.” For these reasons, they argue protections are valid. They also assert that they are necessary, showing statistics on LGB discrimination. Furthermore, they show how such discrimination negatively impacts the psychological health—and consequently workplace performance—of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees.

It is worth mentioning here that this article relies on research conducted about ten years ago. Consequently, the focus of the article is limited to lesbian, gay and bisexual perspectives, omitting discussion of transgender protections, while new ENDA language will be transgender inclusive. Despite these two caveats, many of the conclusions are still valid and remain useful in discussing some of the key issues in the debate over ENDA.

To read the full article, visit the APA website
Read the 2002 APA Congressional testimony on ENDA.