PORTLAND – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said she supports federal legislation that would outlaw discrimination by employers on the basis of sexual orientation.

Collins, a Republican, has said in the past that she considers the matter an issue best left to the states. But on Wednesday, she said it is time for Congress to act.

“Despite my hope and preference for action at the state level … I believe now is the time for Congress once again to take a stand against legalized discrimination in the workplace aimed at people because of who they are. To do this is not to create a special right for gay men and lesbians, but to end discrimination against them, as we have done for others,” she said.

Collins spelled out her stance as the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions took up the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

“In the final analysis,” she said, “I simply do not believe it is fair to allow discrimination in the workplace against men and women solely because of their sexual orientation.”

Rick Galena of the Maine Lesbian Gay Political Alliance said Collins let the organization know of her support for the bill. “We are obviously very pleased that the senator stood up to discrimination,” he said. “We hope that she will continue to be an advocate as it moves to the full Senate.” The bill Collins supports exempts religious organizations, schools, the armed services and businesses with fewer than 15 employees.