ENDA Passes the House

Republicans tried, really tried to derail the passage of the Employment Non-discrimination Act (ENDA) today. They threw everything they had at it, tried to imply that it would lead to same-sex marriage, tried to "table" the bill--effectively killing it. But, possibly partly due to Barney Frank's impassioned speech, the Republicans were unsuccessful.

I guess I shouldn't lump all Republicans together, because there were some that were on board. Unfortunately, probably not enough to block a Bush veto. And he will likely veto it too, but perhaps at his party's peril. The Log Cabin Republicans will likely be pressing potential Republican candidates for President, about their views on ENDA and Bush's veto. And with this bunch, they're likely all behind Bush on this. I can't imagine that the Log Cabiners are going to take kindly to that.

[Excerpt]

ENDA Passes House Without Trans Protections

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act but with without protections for trans-workers after more than five hours of debate, wrangling, maneuvering and lobbying.

In the end the House voted 235 - 185, mostly along party lines.

The issue of gender identity divided Democrats and led to a rift within the LGBT community.
ENDA originally included all members of the LGBT community, but its sponsor, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) one of only two openly gay members of Congress, removed gender identity fearing the legislation might not get out of committee.

ENDA, as currently worded, would make it illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee. . .

Read on at: 365Gay