Washington : The U.S. Senate approved legislation Thursday 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.
The enthusiasm of the bill's supporters was tempered by the reality that the Republican-led House of Representatives, where conservatives have a firm grip on the agenda, is unlikely to even vote on the legislation.
House Speaker John Boehner opposes the measure, arguing that it is unnecessary and certain to create costly, frivolous lawsuits for businesses.
If the House fails to act, gay rights advocates are likely to press President Barack Obama to act unilaterally and issue an executive order barring anti-gay workplace discrimination by federal contractors.
