Federal Contractor Rule Prohibits LBGT Discrimination

Filed under: Discrimination,Legal,News |

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a new rule implementing an executive order signed by President Obama in July that prohibits discrimination by federal contractors on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity. July’s executive order was the first federal action ensuring LGBT workplace equality in the private sector.

President Obama signed an executive ord prohiniting discrimination against LBGT employees iby private federal contractor

President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination against LBGT employees by private federal contractors. DOL photo.

Currently 18 states, the District of Columbia and some businesses have workplace discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

The final rule becomes effective 120 days after publication in the Federal Register. It will apply to federal contracts entered into or modified on or after that date. More information is available at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT.

“Americans believe in fairness and opportunity. No one should live in fear of being fired or passed over or discriminated against at work simply because of who they are or who they love,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Laws prohibiting workplace discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity are long overdue, and we’re taking a big step forward today to fix that.”

Expanding Workplace Discrimination Protections

“We are building on the work of presidents and members of Congress from both parties who have expanded opportunities for America’s workers,” said Patricia A. Shiu, director of the department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which will enforce the new requirements. “This rule will extend protections to millions of workers who are employed by or seek jobs with federal contractors and subcontractors, ensuring that sexual orientation and gender identity are never used as justification for workplace discrimination by those that profit from taxpayer dollars.”

The OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. These laws require contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government to follow the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, and now sexual orientation and gender identity.

For general information, please call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/

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