A Happy (Temporary) Victory

If this bill does pass the Senate, it's almost guaranteed to be vetoed by The Decider, but it's an encouraging victory for right now-

The Democratic-led House of Representatives on Wednesday defied a White House veto threat and voted to protect millions of Americans by outlawing workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation...

Democrats vowed to try to mount support, but face stiff opposition from the religious right and others in what's been a 30-year effort to enact such legislation into law.

Still, it's not perfect-

In a letter to House members, a coalition of nearly 400 gay, lesbian and transgender groups wrote that it opposed the legislation because it "leaves some of us behind."

Democrats had initially sought transgender protection. But many backed off when they realized they did not have the votes, and feared transgender coverage could sink the bill.

"I wish we had the votes in this House to ban discrimination of all sorts," Barney Frank said. But they don't. The younger generation-- conservatives and all-- are very progressive on the gay issue. This current ruling generation is the last one for which this will be an issue.

Andrew Sullivan has reluctant libertarian support for this bill, with video of a great speech by Rep. Frank for this. "We do not need their affirmation to love one another," he says, "But some do still need some framework of protection in order to work without fear." Amen.