Poliquin Votes for LGBT Rights for Federal Contractors

Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin of Maine has reversed an earlier vote in supporting an executive order that bars federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT employees.

Poliquin said he voted against the measure last week because it did not protect religious groups. On Wednesday night, he was among more than 40 Republicans who joined Democrats in approving the measure over the opposition of GOP conservatives. The vote was 223-195.

Poliquin points to another amendment, also approved, that offers religious protections. He said the new amendment allowed him to support the original proposal.

In a statement, he said he will always stand up "against the discrimination of individuals of all different backgrounds, genders, colors of skin, creeds, political beliefs and walks of life." (AP)