Equality Federation is the national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy organizations.

Over the past several days, leaders of these state organizations have been expressing their outrage and dismay that Congress would vote on an employment nondiscrimination bill that would continue to allow discrimination against transgender Americans.

This is not a new issue for state lgbt organizations. Our leaders in the states have worked for years in their state legislatures to end discrimination in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. And here is what we have learned about passing inclusive laws: We know it is possible; and we believe it is morally required.

In this year alone, states as diverse as Iowa, Colorado and Oregon have passed non-discrimination legislation that includes protections for transgender people. In fact, since 2003, every state that has passed non-discrimination legislation has included protections for transgender people.

Equality Federation urges Congress to follow the lead of states like Colorado, Oregon, and Iowa -- pass an Employment Non Discrimination Act that protects ALL members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.