By a vote of 235-184, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make it illegal to fire or refuse to hire a person because they are gay or bi-sexual. President Bush is expected to veto the bill, citing religious beliefs as the reason.
The ban is the first such movement by the federal government and while most celebrate the step forward, there are some protests from gay rights supporters that the bill does not protect transgender workers.
Rep. Barney Frank, one of just two openly gay members of Congress and a key engine in the drive to get the bill passed, urged colleagues not to let the dispute over transgender workers doom an important gain in civil rights.
He and others instead urge a "one step at a time" approach to adding transgender citizens to the list.
Not surprisingly, President Bush is expected to wield his veto pen yet again, citing religious beliefs, despite the fact that churches and the military are exempt from the bill.