Claws come out after House rejects queer protection bill

Some major shade caused waves on the House floor yesterday after an amendment to help protect LGBT people from discrimination failed by just one vote as Republicans succeeded in convincing a few members of their own party to switch their votes to help ensure the measure would not pass.

The measure, which garnered up 217 votes at one point, was shot down when the votes came to 212 in favor. The House democrats could be hear chanting “shame, shame, shame” as the vote was gaveled. Boos in unison could also be heard.

The vote was originally scheduled to only last two minutes was held open for eight minutes allowing republicans to change their votes.

“Kevin McCarthy was personally twisting arms on the floor,” Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who is openly gay, said about the House majority leader. He went on to say, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that craven and that ugly in my time in Congress.”

The amendment, which is sponsored by Maloney, would have prevented federal contractors from receiving government work if they discriminate against members of the LGBT community.

Every single Republican who voted against my amendment should be ashamed of themselves. Your children will remember your hate.

— Sean Patrick Maloney (@RepSeanMaloney) May 19, 2016

House Democrats took the shade even further, and tweeted out names of Republican members whom they believe switched their votes.

House Speaker Paul Ryan was not part of the vote, but has been very clear about where he stands on the issue. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t with the queer community.

“This is federalism. The states should do this. The federal government shouldn’t stick its nose in this business,” Ryan said.