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Senate OKs gay rights bill banning discrimination

By Donna Cassata
Published November 7, 2013 11:10pm ET
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Senate OKs gay rights bill banning discrimination
There were smiles all around as Democrats gathered after the Senate cut off debate to move toward a historic vote on legislation outlawing workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, demonstrating the nation's quickly evolving attitude toward gay rights nearly two decades after Congress rejected same-sex marriage, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. From left are, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. The enthusiasm of the bill's supporters was tempered by the reality that the Republican-led House, where conservatives have a firm grip on the agenda, is unlikely to even vote on it. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) | J. Scott Applewhite

WASHINGTON (AP) — Reflecting Americans’ increasing acceptance of gays, the Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would bar workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Gay rights advocates hailed the bipartisan, 64-32 vote as a historic step although it could prove short-lived. A foe of the bill, Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has signaled that the Republican-led House is unlikely to even vote. Senate proponents were looking for a way around that obstacle.

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