For the first-time ever, a chamber of Congress has approved legislation — with bipartisan support — that amend the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ban comprehensibly discrimination against LGBT people. Under the new Democratic majority elected in the mid-term election, the House approved the legislation by a vote of 236-173as openly gay Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) presided over the chamber. At other times during debate, gay Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and lesbian Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) served as speaker pro tempore. As a majority of votes for the bill became apparent and as the vote was called, Democrats and guests in House gallery applauded and cheered.