Activists to Push Trans-Inclusive ENDA, Hate Crimes Bills in New Congress

Excerpted from Dem triumph raises gay hopes, by Joshua Lynsen, published Nov , 2006, by the pro-homosexuality New York Blade:

…Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said the Democratic victories, which included the election of several gay-friendly lawmakers across the nation, signified “a great day for LGBT Americans.”

…Stafford, Solmonese and others said Democrats would give new priority to gay initiatives when the 110th Congress convenes in January.

Perhaps the greatest push will be to advance a trans-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

“An inclusive ENDA is a very top priority for our community, and I think Congress will put that at the top of their agenda,” Stafford said. “That is something that is very doable.”

Other priorities included a federal hate crimes bill that covers crimes motivated by hatred of gays and transgender people, and a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the military’s ban on openly gay service members.

“Could we have a hate crimes vote in the first six months? Could we have a hearing on gays in the military?” Solmonese said. “Absolutely.”

…Americans for Truth, which is billed as “the only national organization devoted exclusively to exposing and countering the homosexual activist agenda,” pledged to counter efforts by HRC and others.

President Peter LaBarbera told the Blade, “conservative groups and pro-family groups” are “gearing up” to derail ENDA and the hate crimes bill.

Continue reading in New York Blade…