During the Senate debate on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act today we’ve heard a lot about the bill’s roots in the past, its relationship to American values, and how matching our laws with those values is long overdue when it comes to ENDA.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a progressive champion for many, quoted a predecessor in her seat and a long-time ENDA champion, the late Ted Kennedy:

The promise of America will never be fulfilled as long as justice is denied to even one among us.

She then offered her own words on how far we’ve come:

It has taken us far too long to arrive at this day, but we are here now, and we are not going back.

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), a contemporary of the late Harvey Milk, recalled her time in San Francisco city and county government, during which a non-discrimination ordinance was passed.

I watched the legislation implemented over the last four decades. It has protected people’s jobs and livelihoods from unfair treatment. It has been a good thing for people and for business.

Senator Christopher Coons (D-DE) spoke passionately about how ENDA represents American values:

Protecting Americans from discrimination is part of America’s shared values. And it needs to be part of our laws as well . . . It’s not okay.

The final Senate votes on ENDA will take place tomorrow, starting at 11:45 am EST. Now is your last chance to call your senators. There are more instructions here and here, and you can always reach both of them by dialing 202-224-3121. Don’t forget to sign our petition.

The time is now – say yes to common sense and no to anti-gay extremists – pass ENDA!