‘Pro-gay’ Republican group might not endorse US Equality Act
A Republican group that advocates for LGBT rights has indicated it might not endorse a sweeping new Equality Act.
le.The Republicans currently control both Houses of Congress, and last year blocked the Employment Non-Discrimination Act ā which included vital protections for LGBT workers ā from coming to a vote.
However, amid building momentum following the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, over 100 Democrats have co-sponsored a new bill known as theĀ Equality Act – which would outlaw discrimination and ensure a range of protections for LGBT people.
Despite the bill’sĀ endorsements from largeĀ corporations including Apple, the Log Cabin Republicans – a supposedly pro-LGBT wing of the Republican party – has indicate it might not back it.
A statement from the group’s director Gregory T Angelo said it would not yet take any position to support the bill – because of “hesitations” over its content.
Mr Angelo said:Ā “It is widely known that Log Cabin Republicans has long supported, lobbied, and advocated forĀ comprehensive LGBT non-discrimination legislation, but we shareĀ hesitations about the Equality Act expressed by a number ofĀ organizations including LGBT advocatesĀ on the left andĀ other civil rights groups.
āSome of our staunchest RepublicanĀ allies in Congress with unassailable records in favour of LGBT equalityĀ have indicated similar concerns with this legislation.
“The full textĀ of the Equality Act was only provided to Log Cabin Republicans lateĀ last night, mere hours prior to the billās formal introduction.
“WeĀ will review this bill with our allies in Congress and National BoardĀ of Directors prior to taking any official position.
“Log CabinĀ Republicans does not operate on the timetables of others; ultimatumsĀ are not the way to grow coalitions.”
Though Mr Angelo does not explicitly say so, the “hesitations” expressed by other Republicans surround the lack ofĀ exemption for religious groups to continue to discriminate against LGBT people.
Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who has previously backed pro-LGBT legislation, told the Washington Blade: “While the Equality Act seeks to be an important step forward to protect LGBT individuals against discrimination in housing, workplaces, schools, and public accommodations, I have concerns about the current proposalās broadness and how it will impact religious organizations.
“I remain committed to working to ensure all Americans are treated fairly.”
So far, zero Republicans have come forward to co-sponsor the bill – hurting its chances of passing through aĀ Republican-dominatedĀ Congress.
