House Passes Controversial Employment Non-Discriminnation Act

The New York Times reports that the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act by a vote of 235-184. The bill prohibits employment discrimination based on an individual’s actual or perceived sexual orientation. The law does not apply to religious organizations, nor does it apply to any school or college controlled by a religious organization or whose curriculum is directed toward the propagation of a particular religion. Opponents, however, argue that this exemption is still not broad enough. House Republican Whip Roy Blunt complained that the exemption does not apply to Christian bookstore owners or other small businesses in which people of faith are an integral part of the workforce. (Christian Newswire). Others claim that the bill "would require Christian organizations and pro-family groups who teach about the sin of homosexuality to hire gays." (Christian Post). The bill ultimately received backing of major civil rights groups even though it was amended to eliminate protection for transgender employees. (PageOneQ). (See prior related posting.) [revised]