House Republicans and Democrats wage war over LGBT rights
- 8 years ago
Things got downright nasty as House Republicans and Democrats bickered back and forth at each other over LGBT rights Thursday.
It was practically a battleground-type atmosphere as Democrats accused Republicans of promoting bigotry and discrimination, while GOP leaders say they intend to protect freedom of religion from government overreach.
The point of contention: A proposal authored by New York Democrat Sean Maloney, an openly gay member of Congress, that sought to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to pay contractors that discriminate against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In a session that came down to the wire, the amendment was defeated on a 212-to-213 vote.
“They literally snatched discrimination out of the jaws of equality,” Maloney said.
“We won this vote.”
It was practically a battleground-type atmosphere as Democrats accused Republicans of promoting bigotry and discrimination, while GOP leaders say they intend to protect freedom of religion from government overreach.
The point of contention: A proposal authored by New York Democrat Sean Maloney, an openly gay member of Congress, that sought to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to pay contractors that discriminate against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In a session that came down to the wire, the amendment was defeated on a 212-to-213 vote.
“They literally snatched discrimination out of the jaws of equality,” Maloney said.
“We won this vote.”