ENDA is looking increasingly likely to pass in the US House of Representatives, but advocates have yet to get a firm commitment from Senate leadership on moving the bill forward, according to stories in The Hill and Roll Call. In addition, the Chairman of the Senate’s Housing, Education, and Labor Committee said he won’t act until the bill is approved by the House. If the bill does reach the President’s desk by the end of this year, be prepared for a bill that’s not everything you’ve been expecting: under this version of ENDA, in order to sue for gender identity-based discrimination, an employee must pick a gender and stick to it – so no gender fluidity. Furthermore, from the Roll Call story, it sounds like anyone who has not had genital reconstruction surgery would not be protected in using the bathroom consistent with their gender identity. (The Hill, Roll Call)

Elsewhere…

D.C. – Howard Dean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is calling Obama out on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and is urging him to take “immediate” action to place a repeal on this year’s defense budget legislation. (The Washington Blade)

Iowa – A conservative Iowa lawmaker is doing something ridiculous and anti-gay. Since the Iowa Governor and legislative leadership thoroughly shut down any attempts to do away with same-gender marriage in the state, don’t expect this lawmaker’s demands to get far. (Think Progress)

Wisconsin – 1,300 LGBT Wisconsinites got almost-married last year, according to official figures released to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Last summer, the state’s domestic partner registry went into effect, offering queer couples access to 40 of the more than 150 rights that “traditional” married couples receive. (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

Florida – Scads of national and state LGBT organizations are stepping up to offer help to Jo-Vanni Roman, the escort hired by Rev. George “Rentboy” Rekers, should he need their help. (Joe.My.God)

Scotland – Gay teen slashed, stabbed to death while walking home in Glasgow. (Towleroad)

Lithuania – After much legal wrangling, Lithuania’s first pride march went ahead over the weekend, drawing 500 marchers, 800 police, and over 1,000 demonstrators. Cross-carrying, insult shouting protesters got into scuffles with police towards the end of the march, who arrested 19, including two anti-gay lawmakers. Organizers are calling the event a “big success.” (Associated Press, Box Turtle Bulletin, BBC)