Bill #274, Senate Passed 8:1

Today the Senate passed Bill #274, which outlined the elimination of employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. If passed by the House, this bill will go into effect one year after passage, and no discrimination lawsuits can be filed during the intervening period of time.
So what is the bill all about? In a word – controversy.

The bill was designed to protect the employment rights of people identified by their sexual orientation in much the same way as Civil Rights legislation did for color and gender in the 1960s. Individuals who feel they have been discriminated based on their sexual orientation may bring suit against other individuals and/or organizations.

While the bill passed by an overwhelming majority and even experienced bipartisanship support in the Senate, religious conservative organizations such as Family Focus are outraged. These organizations feel the bill would make it easier for the Supreme Court to require all states to institute civil unions – or - put simply, a Trojan horse for gay marriage.

Undeterred and desiring additional bipartisanship aid on this issue, Senate Majority Leader Meyers (D) sent a statement to Speaker of the House, Villary (R). After reading the press copy, I can say that Meyers’ attempt to sway members toward the full passage of the bill is admirable. Meyers writes: “An anti-discrimination policy with regards to sexual orientation will benefit all Americans. It will cut down on the hate crime rates and increase the quality of life for LGBTQ Americans who can now have job security and harassment protection which will promote a better working environment for all Americans.”
Meyers also listed the most recent findings from the National Election Study (dated 2004) in which a large majority of polled individuals responded favorably to the suggestion that an individual’s employment be protected based on sexual orientation.

This poll likely did not include many (if any) Family Focus organization’s members. They presented a strong reaction by stating: “Today, the Senate voted to weaken religious and personal liberties by passing Senate Bill 274, effectively granting special rights to homosexual groups. Homosexual activists have convinced a heavily Democratic Senate to grant protected class statute to homosexuals, a protection that should be reserved for immutable characteristics such as race or gender, rather than behavioral choices.” In this, they argued that religious liberties would be weakened if full passage occurred. To further their plea, one spokesperson stated the following example: “A Christian family will now be forced to rent their upstairs apartment to a practicing homosexual couple, even if they disapprove of their behavior. Christian businesses can no longer turn down job applicants who are openly engaged in homosexual activities, even if such behavior contradicts their morals and religious values. We urge Speaker Villary and House Republicans to ensure this bill never sees President Millworth's desk, and we will giving our fullest support to any candidate who runs against those Senators who voted for this bill."

A long time House Representative, Speaker Villary is sure to have her staff on call for what seems to be a deluge of correspondence from both sides of this issue. Having blocked the first set of session proposals from the President, Villary may be positioning herself for political suicide if she also blocks additional proposed legislation. And the albatross around her neck might be Republican Senator Litz of Alaska who voted across party lines in favor of the bill. To again quote from Family Focus’s spokesperson: “We expected nothing less from the Senate Democrats. But from Litz, this vote comes as a betrayal. We know she has an independent, libertarian streak, but this vote goes against the conservative values of her supporters and constituents.” When asked if Family Focus and other conservative groups would help mount a primary challenge to Litz in 2012, the spokesperson replied, "You better believe it."

I will continue to monitor this situation; however, until Villary decides how to proceed, it appears this bill might stand in the wings for awhile. With strong feelings on both sides heating up, I anticipate more bipartisan reaching out from the Senate and an increasing public outcry from both religious right groups and liberal organizations.

- E.E.