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U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.

(AP File Photo)

I was raised believing discrimination was wrong, illegal. I’ve found that isn’t true. In Pennsylvania, it’s legal to discriminate and fire Pennsylvanians because they are gay or transgender. There’s no federal law that bars employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

I know it’s hard to believe. Most believe there are already laws prohibiting this. As I did. The truth is sometimes hard to swallow. Truth is there aren’t laws to protect LGBT Americans or Pennsylvanians.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act comes before the U.S. Senate this fall. It ends bias, along the lines of legislation passed decades ago that prevents employers from discriminating based on religion, gender, race or disability.

The vast majority of our country, including 70 percent of Republicans, believe it’s time to end LGBT discrimination in the workplace. I doubt there’s another piece of legislation in polarized Washington that has such clear and overwhelming consensus across our country.

I urge Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., to support ENDA when it comes up for vote in the fall. We all share the values of hard work, providing for our families and advancing our careers based on merit. Our nation was built on these principles.

LINDA BAHNER

Easton