That time Donald Trump thought Paul Ryan went too far…

By: Meredith Kelly

In a press conference today, Speaker Ryan sidestepped a question on so-called “bathroom laws” in states like North Carolina and Mississippi that discriminate against transgender individuals. Ryan even attempted to claim credit by noting his 2007 vote for the Employment Nondiscrimination Act.

That’s a pretty bold move given that Ryan specifically lobbied the sponsor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act to exclude protections for transgender individuals in the bill.

“Speaker Ryan can attempt to own the mantle of reasonable, moderate alternative all he wants – but when even Donald Trump thinks your position is discriminatory and offensive, there’s a problem,” said Meredith Kelly of the DCCC.

Background:

Headline: ThinkProgress: “How Paul Ryan Helped Kill Employment Protections For Transgender Americans.” [ThinkProgress, 9/6/12]

Ryan Opposed Including Protections For Transgender Individuals In A Workers’ Rights Bill. “Representative Barney Frank has vowed to keep transgender rights in his bill to protect gays and lesbians in the workplace, despite opposition from some key moderates that could derail the proposal. … But some Republicans say they would back the legislation only if the transgender rights portion is dropped. … Republican Representatives Jeff Flake of Arizona, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, and Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania also say they don’t support the current version because it includes transgender rights.” [Boston Globe, 5/14/10]

Ryan: Including Protections For Transgender Individuals Makes ENDA “Something You Can’t Vote For.” “Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) also said he would likely vote against the legislation with transgender protections, and he said he’s told Frank as much. ‘It makes it something you can’t vote for,’ Ryan said. ‘I think ENDA’s the right thing to do,” but transgender language ‘changes the equation.’ Ryan declined to detail his objections, saying he wanted to read the final package.” [Roll Call, 4/26/10]