Barney Frank: This Time I'm Not Stripping Trans Protections Out Of ENDA

Rep. Barney Frank is vowing that unlike in 2007, this time he will not allow transgender and gender identity protections to be stripped from ENDA. On the last go-round, Frank endured blistering criticism from many quarters (including this blog) when he reluctantly removed transgender protections from the bill to ensure its passage. And that did work last time, although the bill died in its Senate committee. Frank is now facing criticism from fellow House members who supported the bill in 2007.

Some Republicans say they would back the legislation only if the transgender rights portion is dropped. “If you include transgender rights, I think that just pushes the envelope too far,’’ said Representative John Campbell of California, a Republican who voted for Frank’s bill in 2007. “It is seen by the populace as a very extreme procedure.’’ Campbell is not the only previous supporter to object. Republican Representatives Jeff Flake of Arizona, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, and Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania also say they don’t support the current version because it includes transgender rights. Also, some moderate Democrats have expressed concerns about voting on the transgender provision with the midterm elections approaching.

Anti-gay bigots are, as usual, framing ENDA as the "man in the ladies room" bill. Asshats like Peter LaBarbera are mockingly posting videos of "burly-voiced men in dresses" pleading for employment protections. Frank has attempted to address that claim by adding a nebulous amendment that employers can demand "reasonable dress and grooming standards." Whatever that means.

The trans-inclusive ENDA currently has 202 House co-sponsors, assuming none back out. In the Senate there are 44 co-sponsors, with the same proviso. The needed 16 House and 7 Senate votes are being furiously lobbied every day. Sign and send this petition to your reps in Congress. Call them directly using this script. Even if they are already co-sponsors, they need to know they should not back out.

NOTE: The above co-sponsor counts are from May 14th, the most recent tally I can find. I'll update that number in this post when I get it.