Marco Rubio opposes "special protections" for LGBT workers

While answering a question about ENDA, Sen. Rubio said he doesn't support "special protections" for LGBT people

Published June 13, 2013 9:07PM (EDT)

Marco Rubio                    (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
Marco Rubio (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

What do you do to pass time when you find yourself in an elevator with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)? If you enjoy getting disappointing answers to questions about extending basic worker safeguards to LGBT individuals, then you ask him where he stands on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Which is precisely what Scott Keyes from ThinkProgress did on Thursday after catching up with the senator at the Faith and Freedom Forum; Rubio's answer was predictably terrible:

SCOTT KEYES: The Senate this summer is going to be taking up the Employment Non-Discrimination Act which makes it illegal to fire someone for being gay. Do you know if you’ll be supporting that?

MARCO RUBIO: I haven’t read the legislation. By and large I think all Americans should be protected but I’m not for any special protections based on orientation.

KEYES: What about on race or gender?

RUBIO: Well that’s established law.


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

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