Wolf Opposes Equal Rights for Gays in the Workplace

A May 2007 Gallup poll found that 89% of Americans believe that gay men and lesbians should have equal rights in terms of job opportunities. Only 8% of Americans believe that gays should NOT be protected from job discrimination. Sadly, one of those 8% still stuck in the dark ages is the 10th district's own Rep. Frank Wolf. Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 235-184 in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA. Of the 184 "nay" votes, 159 came from the Republican side of the aisle. Frank Wolf's fellow "moderate" Republican, Tom Davis, voted "yes." But not Wolf. He apparently opposes making it illegal for an employer:

*"...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"

*"...to limit, segregate, or classify the employees or applicants for employment of the employer in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment or otherwise adversely affect the status of the individual as an employee, because of such individual's actual or perceived sexual orientation."

Even worse, Wolf's opposition to employment protection for gays and lesbians comes about despite the fact that the bill even provides an exemption for religious organizations and also for the U.S. military. What possible reason would Frank Wolf have to oppose this bill, then, you might ask? Does Frank Wolf actually FAVOR allowing employers to discriminate against gays in hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee? Is that what "moderate" Republicans believe? If you want to ask Rep. Wolf about this, you can contact him here. If you find out anything interesting, I'd be curious to hear it. Thanks.