Obama signs executive order prohibiting federal contractors from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity

Today President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity

“Today President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  Significantly, the president’s order does not include any new religious exemptions.  While many media outlets have announced this news as protections for gay workers, it’s important to note that transgender and bisexual workers are also included in this order.  President Obama’s action will protect approximately 28 million employees in 24,000 companies that hold federal contracts.

However, we still have a long way to go in the struggle for equality.  Discrimination in the workplace and in housing and public accommodations is still legal in 29 states based on sexual orientation and in 32 states based on gender identity.  For this reason, I urge you to call for an inclusive federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that does not contain broad religious exemptions as a license to discriminate.”

– JamieAnn Meyers, Transgender Representative and Board Member, ReconcilingWorks

Read more about the executive order here: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/07/21/historic-obama-signs-executive-order-anti-lgbt-job-bias/