The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) looks to be a success in Washington, with all of the Democratic caucus behind it, and enough Republicans in the Senate to make a difference. Such a bill will prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. While some senators, especially Republicans, would see the language address matters of religious identity, overall the Act has a big chance of passing and making concrete the respectability and acceptance of homosexuals and other sorts of divergent types in the work place.
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate of Health, called the bill, as CBS News reported, “a huge step forward, one too long in coming.”
Not all senators feel the same way. One in particular, John Boehner, R-Ohio, finds the bill problematic, and recommends a vote against it, saying “The Speaker believes this legislation will increase frivolous litigation and cost American jobs, especially small business jobs.” What jobs it costs seems like a side point compared to whether or not it is in fact just.
Nevertheless, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio also expressed reservations, saying, “The underlying part of the bill I agree with, but I’m still working on some of the religious liberty issues.” Sen. Rob Portman’s son is openly gay, which perhaps is an issue the Senator is still sorting out.
Whatever the case, the bill looks to be a winner, and is likely to see its way to federal law.
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