Harry Reid may get ENDA passed in the Senate today, but John Boehner has killed the bill by opposing it because preventing gay discrimination in the workplace would kill jobs.
Boehner spokesman Michael Steel put out a statement that killed any hopes that ENDA will be brought to the House floor for a vote, “The Speaker believes this legislation will increase frivolous litigation and cost American jobs, especially small business jobs.”
With a single sentence statement Speaker Boehner has managed to express his support for workplace discrimination, remind American that many elected Republicans are opposed to equal rights for gays and lesbians, and he is refusing to allow a vote in the House on a bill that would likely pass.
Apparently in the Republican mind, nothing is better for job creation than some good old fashioned workplace discrimination. Much of the Republican Party remains woefully out of step with the times. A 2011 poll found that 73% supported prohibiting workplace discrimination against gays and lesbians. The American people want ENDA passed, which seems to be the primary reason why Speaker Boehner won’t even bring the bill to the floor for a vote. Republicans believe that gay and lesbian workplace discrimination is already covered by other laws, but it isn’t.
Speaker Boehner is actually arguing that workplace discrimination grows the economy, but Boehner’s opposition isn’t about the economy at all. The Speaker is killing this bill because he doesn’t want enrage the anti-gay activists and bigots in his own party.
It is laughable that John Boehner would try to disguise his ugly position with talk of jobs and the economy. Economic growth and development are harmed when discrimination is allowed to prevent qualified people from being hired. Boehner’s statement on ENDA was cowardly, deplorable, and should be condemned both Democrats and Republicans.
Killing ENDA is not the American way.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
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