White House Heeds Udall's Call, Bars Federal Contractors from Discriminating Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity

Press Release

Mark Udall, a strong advocate for ending discrimination, welcomed the White House's decision today to prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity -- a policy Udall has long fought for in Congress. Federal law currently only prohibits contractors from discriminating against employees based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The president's forthcoming executive order, which Udall has championed, would extend equal workplace rights to more than 16 million workers. Notably, a large percentage of Fortune 500 corporations already extend such protections, and these protections exist under Colorado state law.

"I am proud the president has heeded my call to follow Colorado's lead to modernize workplace protections and ensure no federal contractor is able to fire an employee simply because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity," Udall said. "We still have work to do to ensure millions of Americans cannot be discriminated against simply because of who they are or whom they love, but this is a step in the right direction. I again call on the U.S. House of Representatives to finally allow an up-or-down vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act."

Udall, who has fought to ensure federal agencies do not discriminate against LGBT Americans, pressed the White House in 2013 and this year to take this action. Other Colorado lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Jared Polis, also signed those letters.

Udall has been a vocal advocate of striking down misguided laws that discriminate against committed, married gay couples at both the state and federal levels. Udall last year helped to pass in the U.S. Senate the bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would bar employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. However, the House has refused to act on the legislation. He also led the successful effort to repeal the harmful and discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

Source