ENDA and DOMA Repeal

ENDA was introduced to the Senate yesterday, and according to the Advocate, might become law this year.

Earlier, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act was approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee, making it ready for a floor vote.

Both items are on Sen. Harry Reid and Rep. Nancy Pelosi's priority list, which is incredibly out-of-step with grassroots LGBT needs. Basically, DOMA Repeal won't be considered until both legislations pass in Congress. It's very likely that Congress will take up ENDA first, then DPBO, which has President Obama's backing.

But then what? Are they going to take on DADT first, or the DOMA Repeal? During a hotly contested midterm election both of these could be potential hot potato issues. More likely than not the Democrats are going to lose seats, making the 112th a more hostile place for LGBT rights.

Unless Congressional Democrats abandon their baby steps approach and take bold actions on LGBT rights, it's hard to see them taking on both DADT and DOMA next year.

For now, we can only keep our fingers crossed.