Social Conservative Groups Upset at GOP Silence on Gay Discrimination Bill

Only one senator actually spoke against it

As the Senate passed the Employee Non-Discrimination Act on Thursday, just one Republican senator, Indiana's Dan Coats, took to the floor to oppose it.

The silence from the Senate Republican caucus stunned social conservatives, who have been arguing that the legislation, which provides workplace protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees, will undermine religious liberty.

"I'm mystified and deeply disappointed, because there are profound constitutional issues at stake here," said the American Family Association's Bryan Fischer. "The entire First Amendment is being put up for auction by this bill and it's inexcusable that no Republican senators that are willing to stand up and defend the Constitution."