National Roundup

Here are just a few legislative victories for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people across the United States in 2007.

U.S. Congress

More good news has come out of the U.S. Congress this year than in any in recent memory. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would ban job discrimination against GLBT Americans, was introduced in the House in April. This year's bill includes gender identity for the first time. Both the Senate and House are considering companion versions of the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would finally make hate crimes against GLBT Americans punishable under federal law. Democratic Rep. Marty Meehan of Massachusetts reintroduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in March, and has promised to hold hearings on the bill this year. That bill would repeal the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy barring GLBT soldiers from serving openly.

Oregon

Oregon's legislature passed their version of a statewide Fairness law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment, public accommodations and public education. Its House also voted to grant same-sex couples the state-level rights of marriage. Oregon's Senate Judiciary committee has already passed the bill, and the full Senate is expected to follow suit. Gov. Ted Kulongoski, a Democrat, has promised to sign both bills.

Iowa

In March, Iowa became the 10th U.S. state to enact comprehensive safe schools legislation. The new law protects students regardless of their age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or family status. Iowa's House and Senate also voted this session to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity at work and many other places. Democratic Gov. Chet Culver says he'll sign the protections into law.

Colorado

An employment non-discrimination law is awaiting the expected signature of Gov. Bill Ritter in Colorado. The new law adds sexual orientation to existing protections against discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, or demotions. A bill ensuring the rights of a second parent to adopt a child has also passed the House and come through a Senate Committee. Ritter has also promised to sign that measure if it reaches his desk.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire, site of the first 2008 presidential primary, is set to become the fourth state to enact civil unions, and the first to do so without being prodded by a lawsuit. Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat, says he'll sign the provisions passed by New Hampshire's Senate and House.

(Colorado, Iowa and Oregon will bring to 20 the states prohibiting anti-gay job discrimination and to 10 those banning anti-transgender discrimination.)