John Boehner Says ENDA is 'Unnecessary'

It's no secret House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) strongly opposes the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a measure that would prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination in the workplace. On Thursday he called the legislation "unnecessary" and that it would lead to "frivolous lawsuits," Talking Points Memo reports.

"I am opposed to discrimination of any kind in the work place and any place else," Boehner told the media. "But I think this legislation that I've dealt with as chairman of the Educational Workforce Committee long before I was back into leadership, is unnecessary and would provide a basis for frivolous lawsuits.

"So I am, I'm opposed to continuing this," he continued. "Listen, I understand people have different opinions on this issue and I respect those opinions, but it is someone who worked in this employment law area for all of my years in the statehouse and all of my years here, I see no basis or no need for this."

Earlier this month a spokesperson for Boehner reiterated that he firmly stands against ENDA, days before the Senate approved the bill.

"The Speaker believes this legislation will increase frivolous litigation and cost American jobs, especially small business jobs," Michael Steel, a spokesman for Boehner, said in a statement.

On Nov. 7 the Senate passed ENDA by a 64-32 vote with all 55 Democrats approving the measure and as well as a handful of Republicans, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio.