WashBlade.com – Lou Chibbaro Jr
House Speaker says early lobbying campaign fell short
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she strongly disagrees with calls by some gay and transgender activists that Congress should refuse to vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act unless it includes transgender protections.
Pelosi, during an exclusive interview with the Blade Tuesday, said she continues to work behind the scenes to push for a trans-inclusive ENDA but said it was uncertain whether there are enough votes to pass such a bill any time soon.
“While we are having this debate, while we are trying to be as inclusive as possible, there are those who are trying to undermine any bill,” Pelosi said, referring to the anti-gay conservative groups that have long opposed ENDA. “And we have to win that fight.”