Reid to Boehner: Allow vote for LGBT workers

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Monday called on Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to allow a House vote on legislation that would protect LGBT workers from discrimination.

“Senate Democrats acted to fix this wrong and passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA),” Reid said Monday. “House Republicans have refused to consider ENDA, ignoring the will of the vast majority of Americans who believe that LGBT Americans deserve the same dignity and respect as their straight colleagues in the workplace. 

{mosads}“The votes are there to pass ENDA, and it is long past time Speaker Boehner took it up.”

Reid’s remarks came after President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Reid applauded Obama’s action, saying it would protect 11 million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers.

Last year, the Senate voted 64-32 to approve ENDA. Reid said Senate Democrats would continue to push legislation to protect workers.

“All hardworking Americans deserve to be judged based on the quality of their work, not their gender identity or who they love,” Reid said. “Senate Democrats will continue to work on legislation that protects American workers and ensures a fair shot for all.”