In a brief, succinct and unsurprising response to Think Progress reporter Scott Keyes’ query about workplace discrimination protections for the LGBT community, the conservative Florida senator and possible 2016 presidential contender bluntly told the reporter, “I’m not for any special protections based on orientation.”
The exchange, which took place in an office and elevator in the halls of Congress in less than thirty seconds, confirmed what conservatives have long known about the Cuban-American Republican’s anti-gay positions and offered further proof that any route to the White House will not include an electorate that believes strongly in workplace equality.
The two were riding on an elevator when Keyes asked the senator, “The Senate this summer is going to be taking up the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which makes it illegal to fire someone for being gay. Do you know if you’ll be supporting that?” Rubio responded, “I haven’t read the legislation. By and large I think all Americans should be protected but I’m not for any special protections based on orientation. Keyes pressed the matter. “What about on race or gender?” Rubio quickly retorted, “Well that’s established law.” Keyes then asked again: “But not for sexual orientation?”
Currently, 29 states allow for some form of workplace discrimination meaning you can be fired solely for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. And, according to the report, two out of every five openly gay workers have stated they have experienced some form of discrimination. Moreover, a June 2012 survey from the American Progress Report Action Fund shows that nine out of ten people incorrectly believe it is illegal to fire someone because they are gay.
Americans however strongly support ENDA. Recent polls show that the support cuts across party lines, religious affiliations and generations. Nearly 75 percent of Americans now believe it is wrong to fire someone solely because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.
President Obama will be taking up employment discrimination with the Senate this summer. Passage of comprehensive legislation seems more certain than it has looked in years.
not only losing his hair, but losing election next year-nothing lower than a bigoted minority…
What a shock! Senator Rubio doesn’t want to protect anyone who is not white, Republican, bigoted, and callous. This guy is the biggest fake and the most naive nerd in public office.