The U.S. Senate has approved for the first time legislation to grant workplace civil rights on the basis of homosexual, bisexual or transgender status, leaving the House of Representatives as the lone potential barrier to enactment of the controversial proposal.
Senators voted 64-32 Thursday (Nov. 7) for the Employment Non-discrimination Act (ENDA), rejecting an amendment to strengthen religious freedom protections for employers in the process. President Obama supports the bill, but ENDA faces a substantial challenge to passage in the House, where Speaker John Boehner opposes it.
After Senate passage, Obama urged the House to approve the measure, saying in a written statement, "One party in one house of Congress should not stand in the way of millions of Americans who want to go to work each day and simply be judged by the job they do."
ENDA, however, provides several reasons for opposition, the bill's critics contend. For one, there is the threat to the conscience rights of employers. In addition, there is its promotion of a view of sexuality that not only conflicts with Christianity but harms human prosperity. Foes also point to concerns about a growth in frivolous lawsuits and a loss of jobs. Keep reading
Also see
US Bishops Oppose Employment Non-Discrimination Act; Say It Punishes Disapproval of Gay Conduct
Senate Passes Employment Non-Discrimination Act; Now Will Go to House
House Republicans May Kill Employment Non-Discrimination Act; Boehner Warns Bill Will Increase Frivolous Lawsuits
Senate passage of ENDA appears near
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