Frank: “Zero chance” of pro-gay bills in 2011

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) stated the obvious Monday: “There’s zero chance” of any pro-LGBT legislation passing in the new Congress.

Frank, who will be the most senior of four openly gay members of the U.S. House next year, told Washington Blade reporter Lou Chibbaro that Republican control of the House means, “Next year, there’s no chance of anything happening.”

“They don’t have the votes to hurt us,” said Frank, referring to Republicans, “but we don’t have the votes to advance anything in the cause.”

Because Democrats still control the Senate and there is still a Democrat in the White House, Republicans won’t be able to be able to pass any bills targeting the LGBT community for adverse treatment. He suggested Republicans would almost certainly try to overturn Washington, D.C.’s new marriage equality law.

“Do you think Barack Obama is going to sign a bill to repeal the D.C. marriage law?” said Frank. “It won’t go through the Senate. There is no chance that could happen. None, zero.”

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