President Trump Announces Continuation of Protections for LGBTQ Workers on Federal Contracts

The White House announced on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, that Executive Order 13762, which prohibits discrimination against employees working for federal contractors on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity, will continue under the new administration.

“President Donald J. Trump is determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the LGBTQ community,” the White House said in a statement. The executive order, signed by  President Barack Obama on July 21, 2014, amended two earlier executive orders to extend protection against discrimination in hiring and employment to the LGBTQ community when working for federal contractors and subcontractors.

The Log Cabin Republicans praised this decision saying Trump delivered on a promise to be a “real friend” to the LGBT community. Other advocacy organizations called for caution and expressed concern that President Trump could still take executive actions allowing discrimination under the guise of religious exemptions and noted that other high-level political appointees may oppose gay rights.

The U.S. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program’s website has additional information regarding the executive order, the implementing regulations, and frequently asked questions. Ogletree Deakins commented on the final regulations implementing the executive order when they were issued in December of 2014.