Senate Committee Passes ENDA, Now Heads to Full Senate for a Vote

Long-sought protections for LGBT Americans from discrimination in employment took a first step forward today as it was passed through a Senate committee on a bipartisan vote.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, 15 to 7, advancing the bill that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The bill, which does not contain religious exemptions, now heads to the full Senate, where it has a solid majority in favor with 53 cosponsors. But a majority doesn't guarantee passage in the Senate since so many bills are now filibustered, requiring 60 votes to break.