President Obama announced Monday that he will issue an executive order prohibiting gender-identity discrimination in federal workplaces to protect transgender workers, according to multiple news agencies.
His comments came during a White House reception celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender pride month, according to Time.
“The majority of Fortune 500 companies already have nondiscrimination policies to protect their employees because it’s the right thing to do and because many say it helps to retain and attract the best talent,” Mr. Obama said, according to Time. “And I agree. So if Congress won’t act, I will.”
No details of the order, drafted by his staff for his signature, were offered according to The Associated Press.
A few weeks ago, Mr. Obama declared his intent to sign an executive order that would ban federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but held off signing in hopes that Congress would pass more broad protection legislation that would apply to all employers, the AP reported. When it became clear that legislation was not going to happen, Mr. Obama decided to act alone to protect transgender federal government workers.
“We’ve got a lot to be proud of, but obviously we can’t grow complacent,” Mr. Obama said, according to the AP. “We’ve got to defend the progress that we’ve made.”
• Jennifer Pompi can be reached at jpompi@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.