365Gay.com – by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
(Washington) A new version of the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act – with protections for the transgendered removed – goes to the House Education and Labor committee this week amid growing anger from LGBT rights groups and without the endorsement of one of its key sponsors.
The committee on Tuesday is expected to mark up the measure and send it to the floor of the House for a vote.
The bill was introduced in Congress in April (story) and, in its original form would have made it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person?s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Late last week all references to transsexuals and gender identity was removed in a backroom deal orchestrated by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.).