The Senate voted 61-30 to allow a final vote on the
Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) (S. 815) without the threat of a
filibuster. All Democrats and seven Republicans voted in
favor of proceeding. Introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and
co-sponsored by 55 others, ENDA would prohibit certain entities,
including employers with 15 or more employees, from discriminating
against individuals on the bases of actual or perceived sexual
orientation and gender identity.
Specifically, ENDA would make it unlawful for employers
(1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or
otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the
compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of the
individual, because of such individual's actual or perceived
sexual orientation or gender identity; or