On Labor Day, we proudly reflected on the value that working men and women bring to our country, our society and our way of life. We hold it as a civil right that one is entitled to work.

Unfortunately, many Americans are deprived of that right to work, simply by virtue of the gender of whom they love, or their gender identity. In most states it is legal to fire someone simply because they are gay or transgendered.

We Washingtonians are fortunate. Last year our legislature joined a few other states in adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of personal attributes, such as religion and race, for which employment discrimination is illegal.

Even so, Washington's workers lose that right to equal opportunity if they move to a state that does not protect gay and transgendered workers. And federal law currently protects workers based only on their race, gender, religion, national origin or disability, but not based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

For the past several years, legislation has been pending in Congress to rectify this situation. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been endorsed by more than 200 members of Congress, including many in Washington's delegation.

It is past time for Congress to pass, and the President to sign, this vital law that guarantees this essential right to work.

Ken Molsberry

Ballard