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Congressman James P. McGovern (D-Worcester) and Congressman John F. Tierney (D-Salem)

A New York-based LGBT rights group is criticizing two Democratic congressmen from Massachusetts over their positions on civil rights: Jim McGovern of Worcester and John Tierney of Salem.

As part of its "Which Side of Your Mouth Should We Listen To?" social media campaign, Queer Nation is targeting 34 House Democrats who support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which contains a provision allowing religious groups to fire or deny jobs to LGBT Americans.

ENDA passed in the Senate, but House leaders still have not allowed a vote. And if they do, Queer Nation wants everyone to vote no.

In going after McGovern and Tierney, Queer Nation points to a letter sent to President Barack Obama on July 15, signed by the 34 members of Congress in question. They urged the president to do what he can to eliminate religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws, saying they set a "dangerous precedent" and "your action at the federal level must put a complete stop to these unfair and discriminatory workplace practices."

Queer Nation member Andrew Miller said that if these representatives truly cared about gay rights, they would take a different approach.

"ENDA is a terrible piece of legislation and our supporters in Congress should write legislation that really does protect the rights of LGBT Americans," said Queer Nation member Andrew Miller. "We need to kill ENDA and introduce comprehensive civil rights legislation."

Rep. McGovern's office released a statement saying, "Jim takes a back seat to no one in his support for the LGBT community. One look at his full voting record shows that.

"A comprehensive bill to end LGBT discrimination is obviously something Jim would hope to support," the statement said.

Rep. Tierney's office did not respond to several requests for comment.

Politicians are fond of talking about the speed of progress in gay rights over the past 15 years, especially the rapid legalization of gay marriage at the state level, said Miller, but it's unfair "to do this piecemeal."

He said all members of Congress should vote no on ENDA, calling it a waste of time. Queer Nation wants a bill that includes protections for LGBT Americans akin to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned discrimination not only in employment, but also in most aspects of daily life.

The group also has criticized House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and gay and lesbian members of Congress, over their support for ENDA.

In July, President Obama signed an executive order that banned discrimination against most LGBT workers at companies that receive federal contracts.

"If it's good enough for the executive oder, why isn't it good enough for Congress?" said Miller.