Washington, DC, August 26, 2009- NCTE joins the nation in mourning the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy early this morning. Senator Kennedy was a passionate advocate for the rights of all people, particularly the marginalized, and was a central figure in the passage of landmark legislation for civil rights, economic justice, education and health care throughout his long tenure in the United States Senate.
 
His commitment to equal rights included his clear advocacy for transgender people. Earlier this year, Senator Kennedy introduced the Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which went on to become the first bill approved by the Senate which includes gender identity. While still in process, it is expected to become the first federal law to extend protections to transgender people.
 
In addition, Senator Kennedy had intended to introduce a gender-identity inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) bill in the Senate. When he realized earlier this year that his illness would prevent him from being the strong champion of this bill that he felt it deserved, he systematically worked with his colleagues to find others in the Senate who could take the lead and work actively for its passage. That bill was introduced last month.
 
"Senator Kennedy's work in the Senate directly impacted transgender people because of his advocacy on our behalf. He understood that equality as a principle was only valuable when it truly extended to all people. But he also improved our lives in other, less obvious ways, like championing an increase in the minimum wage and insisting on the need for fair health care coverage," commented Mara Keisling, NCTE's Executive Director. "We will feel his loss, without any doubt, but we will also continue to benefit from his legacy for generations to come."
 
NCTE was proud to work with Senator Kennedy and his staff on a variety of issues, particularly hate crimes, employment discrimination, and health care reform.
 
Senator Kennedy began his service in the Senate in 1962, when he won a special election to assume the seat of his brother, John, after his election to the Presidency. Ted Kennedy was just thirty years old when he joined the Senate and, a few years later, went on to become the youngest Minority Whip in the Senate's history. He was the author of more than 2,500 pieces of legislation over the last 47 years and truly devoted his life work to the United States Senate.