Gay leaders and activists are following up their White House lobbying with a push toward congressional Democrats, urging them to move on legislation that is important to an increasingly restive constituency.

Gay rights activists believe that at least in the House "” which passed a bill (HR 1913) April 29 that would extend hate crime laws to cover gender, sexual orientation and disability "” they may be seeing progress.

A House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee will hold a hearing Wednesday on a measure (HR 2517) that would allow same-sex partners of federal employees to receive the same benefits as married spouses. Rep. Barney Frank , D-Mass., has introduced an employment non-discrimination bill that includes protections for gays and...