Gay and lesbian civilian contractors

Executive Order , signed by U. President Barack Obama on July 21, , amended two earlier executive orders to extend protection against discrimination in hiring and employment to additional classes. It prohibited discrimination in the civilian federal workforce on the basis of gender identity and in hiring by federal contractors on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity. This executive order amended President Richard Nixon 's Executive Order , which originally prohibited discrimination in the competitive service of the federal civilian workforce on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, and age. It had been amended in by President Bill Clinton 's Executive Order to include sexual orientation. Executive Order added "gender identity".

White House press secretary Jay Carney's abrupt response Monday to a question about protections for LGBT workers reflects the unusual position the White House finds itself in — and the unanswered questions many have for the administration — when it comes to a proposed executive order to bar federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT employees or job applicants. Carney has been asked regularly over the past three years — beginning in April — whether President Obama would issue an executive order to bar federal contractors explicitly from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Other White House officials, up to and including President Obama himself, have been asked by lawmakers, LGBT advocates, and donors about the proposal — which would expand an existing executive order protecting federal contractors from discrimination based on race, sex, religious, and national origin. After avoiding answering the question for a year, White House officials, including Carney, made clear in April that Obama would not issue the executive order at that time.

During the month of June, let us celebrate the diversity of the DoD workforce and rededicate ourselves to equity, dignity, and respect for all. Click to View Poster. The Defense Department recognizes all military and civilian men and women who serve and are part of the LBGT community as equal, contributing members of the total force, Anthony M. Kurta, performing the duties of the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said.

Participants from the LGBT communities took to the streets on Saturday to demonstrate for their rights. The dramatic economic and political challenges defining the 21st century for the United States call for a deepening commitment to our shared values and dedication to expanding the diversity of thinkers, leaders, and policymakers. Those values and ideals are enshrined in our founding documents: the belief that we are all created equal, endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They are more than a pinnacle to strive for; they are the values that millions of Americans are sworn to uphold. Living those values is what draws nations together.