Pelosi Promises Trans-Inclusive ENDA

Speaking this morning to a group of progressive bloggers and activists, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to a question about a possible repeal of DADT in 2009 by saying that passing hates crimes legislation and a fully-inclusive ENDA will come first.

"The priorities have been Hate Crimes and ENDA, fully inclusive legislation in those two areas, so we'll have to have our strategy work around on how we can get those passed, as well as move forward on Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Pelosi said. In her reply the Speaker acknowledged her work with Reps. Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin on these issues. She also mentioned Rep. Jared Polis, the newest out member of Congress. "Not that other members don't participate," she added, "but those members take special ownership of the issues."

In 2007 gay rights groups went to war with each other over the inclusion of transgender protections in ENDA. Ultimately, the House passed the bill without it. The bill has never come to a vote in the Senate.