Rep. Barney Frank is vowing that unlike in 2007, this time he will not allow transgender and gender identity protections to be stripped from ENDA. On the last go-round, Frank endured blistering criticism from many quarters (including this blog) when he reluctantly removed transgender protections from the bill to ensure its passage. And that did work last time, although the bill died in its Senate committee. Frank is now facing criticism from fellow House members who supported the bill in 2007.
Some Republicans say they would back the legislation only if the transgender rights portion is dropped. “If you include transgender rights, I think that just pushes the envelope too far,” said Representative John Campbell of California, a Republican who voted for Frank’s bill in 2007. “It is seen by the populace as a very extreme procedure.”
Campbell is not the only previous supporter to object. Republican Representatives Jeff Flake of Arizona, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, and Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania also say they don’t support the current version because it includes transgender rights. Also, some moderate Democrats have expressed concerns about voting on the transgender provision with the midterm elections approaching.
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.
