Biden Promised an LGBT Bill. Joe Manchin Is Poised To Kill It.

[left-of-center2012]

President Joe Biden pledged to sign a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity within his first 100 days. But 71 days into the Biden presidency, the prospects of a signing ceremony for the landmark legislation are starting to look like dreams.

The Equality Act, which would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans from discrimination in a number of public accommodations, is set to become the latest example of GOP obstruction in the Senate, where Democrats need 60 votes to overcome the filibuster. The Equality Act has been introduced in some form or another in nearly every congressional session since the 1970s.

A little more than two months into Biden’s term, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has taken on the role of perpetual fly in the ointment of progressive legislation. The Equality Act is no exception. Manchin told one co-sponsor of the Equality Act that the calls to his office were opposed to the legislation “a thousand to one.” Without Manchin’s support, charting the path to 60 votes is functionally impossible, given the Senate’s current makeup.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/biden-promised-an-lgbt-bill-republicans-said-no-now-what