Joe.My.God. LGBT News

General Motors will now recognize same-sex marriages for the purposes of insurance and pension benefits. “GM will recognize a legal marriage for U.S. employees no matter the state of residence,” the automaker said in a statement. “For example, if a GM employee residing in Michigan, where same-sex marriage is not recognized, got married in New York, GM would recognize that …

Via Memographs.

Via press release: This morning attorneys with the Thomas More Society secured an agreed Order, entered by Judge Sophia Hall, staying all further proceedings in the lawsuit filed by the Illinois ACLU and Lambda Legal, who filed suit over a year ago, challenging Illinois’ marriage laws as unconstitutional in violation of various provisions of the Illinois Constitution of 1970. Given …

Via press release from the Secular Coalition For America: The Secular Coalition for America today applauded the passing of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the U.S. Senate, but expressed disappointment that discrimination by religious organizations will continue to be permitted, leaving millions of Americans unprotected. “This is a step in the right direction, but it certainly doesn’t go far enough,” …

“Today’s victory is a tribute to all those who fought for this progress ever since a similar bill was introduced after the Stonewall riots more than three decades ago. In particular, I thank Majority Leader Reid, Chairman Harkin, Senators Merkley and Collins for their leadership, and Senator Kirk for speaking so eloquently in support of this legislation. Now it’s up …

 Four senators did not vote. I’ll have the roll call shortly. UPDATE: Buzzfeed has the vote recap. Ten Republicans joined all 54 present Democrats in voting for the bill. In addition to ENDA co-sponsors Sens. Mark Kirk and Susan Collins, Republicans Sens. Kelly Ayotte, Jeff Flake, Orrin Hatch, Dean Heller, John McCain, Lisa Murkowski, Rob Portman and Pat Toomey supported …

The Senate is about to make its final vote on ENDA.  C-SPAN2 is covering the proceedings live.  While the bill will not be heard in the House under the Boehner regime, this IS major LGBT history happening today. UPDATE: And it PASSES!

Sen. Pat Toomey’s attempt to further broaden the religious exemptions in ENDA just failed 55-43.  View the roll call here. The final full vote on ENDA is due within the hour.