Jim Darby and Patrick Bova introduce President Barack Obama, with First Lady Michelle Obama, during the LGBT Pride Month reception in the East Room of the White House, June 30, 2014. I’ve asked my staff to prepare a second executive order so that federal employees - who are already protected on the basis of sexual orientation - will now formally be protected from discrimination based on gender identity as well.' I have directed my staff to prepare an executive order for my signature that prohibits discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
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.
With the First Lady by his side, the President spoke about the tremendous progress we have made during the course of his Administration - from repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' to implementing the Affordable Care Act with important protections for LGBT people - and restated his commitment to taking executive action on behalf of LGBT workers: Yesterday, for the sixth time since taking office, President Obama joined national, state, and local community leaders, business leaders, grassroots activists, elected officials, and others for an event celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month at the White House.
