Senate nears historic vote on gay rights bill

Essential News from The Associated Press

AAA  Nov. 7, 2013 3:04 AM ET Senate nears historic vote on gay rights bill By DONNA CASSATABy DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press   Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, talks to reporters after the Senate cleared a major hurdle and agreed to proceed to debate a bill that would prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Nov. 4, 2013. The bipartisan vote increases the chances that the Senate will pass the bill by week's end, but its prospects in the Republican-led House are dimmer. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, talks to reporters after the Senate cleared a major hurdle and agreed to proceed to debate a bill that would prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Nov. 4, 2013. The bipartisan vote increases the chances that the Senate will pass the bill by week's end, but its prospects in the Republican-led House are dimmer. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a historic vote on legislation outlawing workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. All 55 members of the Democratic majority and several Republicans were expected to unite on Thursday in backing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Senate passage would be a major victory for gay rights advocates in a momentous year. The Supreme Court in June affirmed gay marriage and granted federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. Illinois was on the verge of becoming the 15th state to legalize gay marriage along with the District of Columbia. The progress was tempered by the reality that the Republican-led House is unlikely to even vote on the bill. Speaker John Boehner maintains his longstanding opposition, arguing it is unnecessary and certain to create costly, frivolous lawsuits. Associated PressNews Topics: Government and politics, Senate elections, Elections, Gays and lesbians, Gay rights, Bills, Sexual orientation discrimination, Same sex marriage, Voting rights, Legislature, Workplace discrimination, Human rights and civil liberties, Social issues, Social affairs, Legislation, Discrimination, Marriage, Family issues, Personnel, Business, Labor issues

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