Bracing for Midterms :: Will Republicans Reverse Advancement of LGBT Rights?

Despite significant disappointment - or even anger - from many LGBT advocates and activists about the lack of progress toward LGBT equality achieved in the 111th Congress, the legislative landscape for LGBT equality could look far bleaker in the new year.

When the 112th Congress opens in January 2011, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) - which was unable to get any movement thus far in the 111th Congress - faces the potential loss of several of its significant boosters in the Senate, including Sens. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

More significantly and increasingly likely, ENDA and all other LGBT priorities face the strong likelihood of a House speaker named John Boehner (R-Ohio). In vigorously opposing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in October 2009, Boehner said, ’’The Democrats’ ’thought crimes’ legislation ... places a higher value on some lives than others.’