New Scientist reports that the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act [GINA] won an overwhelming 420 to 3 majority vote in the House of Representatives. It will soon be illegal for an insurance company to charge higher rates to people genetically disposed to certain illnesses, and for applicants to be denied employment based on genetic test results.
That law will come into being as soon as Senator Tom Coburn, Republican of Oklahoma, lifts the hold he has placed on the bill to delay its passage into the legislation archives.
Sharon Terry, president of the Genetic Alliance, a non-profit advocating for the rights of people with inherited illnesses states, “I am so stunned by the majority.” President Bush has stated that he will sign the bill if it becomes law.