House Equality Caucus Praises Final Rule Prohibiting Discrimination by Federal Contractors
1507 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
Date: December 3, 2014 Contact: Brad Jacklin, (202) 225-2589
House Equality Caucus Praises Final Rule Prohibiting Discrimination by Federal Contractors
Washington, D.C.- The House Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus today praised the announcement of the Departmetn fo Labor's final rule banning contractors from receiving federal government contracts unless they have a policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This rule was promulgated following Executive Order 13672, which was signed by President Obama on July 21. The Caucus had actively called for the order, with members most recently joining a bicameral March letter signed by 220 Members of Congress.
"The Department of Labor's final rule represents an important step in ending workplace discrimination against LGBT employees," said Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO). "With the implementation of the President's executive order through this action, we move closer to ensuring that employees are judged by the quality of their work, not who they are or who they love. This is a critical step, but its limit to federal contractors reminds us once again that there are still countless workers who are subject to legal discrimination across the country. Is is time for Speaker Boehner to stand up to prejudice and allow a vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act."
"Employees should be judged on the quality of their work and not on who they are or who they love. Discrimination in the workplace is wrong, and the Department of Labor's final rule will help protect Americans from losing their jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is good public policy, good for employees and good for business. We will continue to fight in Congress to extend this provision to all Americans," said Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI).
"I am pleased to see the Department of Labor's finalized rule banning employment discrimination by federal contractors," said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI). "This is a vital step in long overdue action to protect LGBT workers from workplace discrimination. Congress must still act on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to ensure every LGBT worker is protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We need to make sure all employers cannot fire, harass, deny a raise, or refuse to hire someone based on who they love."
"Today's final rule issued by the Department of Labor reflects what millions have fought for- equality in the workplace," said Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA). "The fact remains that nobody should be fired from their job simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While this final rule protects LGBT workers of federal contractors, it still leaves millions vulnerable to discrimination. I urge Congress to pass a strong, comprehensive Employment Non-Discrimination Act so that every American is treated with the respect they deserve."
"No American should have to fear being fired or discriminated against at work simply for who they love or who they are. The many Americans working at companies that do business with the federal government will finally receive these basic workplace protections," said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY).
The President's July executive order was the first explicit federal action to ban discrimination against LGBT workers in the private sector. The final rule will become effective 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register and will apply to federal contracts entered into or modified on or after that date.
###