History was made today in a battle fought by Democrats for more than a quarter of a century, despite last-minute parliamentary maneuvering on the part of the Republicans and "mixed reactions" of the transgender community, according to the New York Times.
The House bill would amend the federal Civil Rights Act and make it illegal for an employer "to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment of the individual, because of such individual’s actual or perceived sexual orientation."
While 19 states and Washington, D.C., have laws barring discrimination based on sexual orientation, and many municipalities offer similar protections, federal law offers no such shield, although it does bar discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, age, disability and pregnancy.
As the bill prepares to move to the Senate, the Times reports, aides to Ted Kennedy indicate he’s weighing whether to introduce an identical bill or one that would "restore language barring discrimination based on gender identity."
Barney Frank was on a rip-roaring roll today as well.
Addressing those disappointed with the bill, Franks said:
"When people who are opposed to the basic bill and opposed to the amendment, lament the chance not to vote on an amendment which would undermine the bill, people should understand where we are. I filed the bill that included people who are transgendered. Earlier this year, I was very proud when this House passed a Hate Crimes bill that included transgender... The question we have is this: if we do not have the votes to go forward with as much as we would like to do, do we then abandon any effort, and do we allow those who are opposed to any progress at all in the anti-discrimination fight in this area to use a particular group as a way to prevent progress?"
Aravosis summed up the feelings of many today:
You just couldn't watch this debate and not feel a sense of pride, and of change. It doesn't matter if it's only one House. My God, we've never had one House on a federal gay civil rights bill. Now we do.
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