Boehner Opposes Bill to Ban Anti-Gay Workplace Bias

House Speaker John Boehner opposes a Senate bill that would prohibit discrimination against gay and transgender people in hiring and in the workplace, he said Monday.

The speaker opposes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act because it would harm the economy, Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said, The Hill reports.

"The speaker believes this legislation will increase frivolous litigation and cost American jobs, especially small-business jobs," Steel said.

Boehner also believes current law forbids employers from dumping their workers because of their sexual orientation, his office said, The Hill reports.

Senate Democrats thought they might be able to pass the bill this week, but Boehner's opposition effectively quashes any chance the legislation will pass. The bill first was introduced in 1994.

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