3 delegation members back discrimination bill

PORTLAND – A bill before Congress that would outlaw employment discrimination based on sexual orientation has the backing of three of the four members of Maine’s congressional delegation.

U.S. Reps. Tom Allen and John Baldacci, both Democrats, are co-sponsors of the bill that was introduced Tuesday. It also has the support of U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, a Republican.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has not seen the language of the bill, but generally “thinks it’s an issue that is better handled at the state level,” said Felicia Knight, spokeswoman for the Maine Republican.

Maine is the only New England state that does not have such a law. Last November, voters narrowly rejected a broader equal rights law that also would have banned discrimination in housing, credit and public accommodations.