Proponents of a bill that would outlaw discrimination against gays in the workplace argued that the measure is rooted in fundamental fairness for all Americans.
Republican opponents of the measure were largely silent, neither addressing the issue on the second day of Senate debate nor commenting unless asked. Written statements from some rendered their judgement that the bill would result in costly, frivolous lawsuits and mandate federal law based on sexuality.
The Senate moved closer to completing its work on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said a final vote in the Senate is possible by week's end.
The bill advanced to a floor debate after clearing its first procedural hurdle Monday night on a 61-30 vote.
Senate passage of the bill would represent a major victory for advocates of gay rights just months after the Supreme Court cleared the way for ending a ban on same-sex marriages in California and struck down a 1996 law passed by
Congress that banned federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. It came three years after Congress ended the ban on gays serving openly in the military.
Illinois was poised to become the 15th state to legalise gay marriage after the state's Legislature gave its final approval yesterday, sending it to the governor, who has said he will sign it.
"I don't believe in discriminating against anybody," said Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, a backer of the measure who voted against a similar, narrower bill 17 years ago. Hatch said the bill has language ensuring religious freedom that he expects the Senate to toughen.
The measure, however, faces strong opposition in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker John Boehner maintains that it is unnecessary and could prove too expensive and litigious for businesses.
Resistance remains within Republican ranks even as the national party, looking beyond core older voters, tries to be more inclusive. Republicans struggled to win over young people and independents in the 2012 presidential election who largely favour expanding gay rights.
