Frank Introduces Discrimination Bill

U.S. Representative Barney Frank has introduced legislation that would prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 (H.R.2981) would also prohibit employers from retaliating against an individual for opposing unlawful discrimination.

The bill includes an exemption for religious institutions and the armed forces.

The legislation has been introduced several times before. In 2007, when Democrats held control of both chambers of Congress but not the White House, the legislation never made it before the full House for a vote.

Democrats now have a stronger majority in both chambers, but it’s unclear whether they have enough support to survive a filibuster in the Senate. President Obama has been a supporter of the legislation.

More than a dozen states protect employees from discirmination based on sexual orientation. More than 100 cities and 20 counties do as well.