Polis Lauds Executive Order Banning LGBT Discrimination by Federal Contractors

Statement

Representative Jared Polis (CO-02) today made the following statement after President Barack Obama issued an executive order banning contractors from receiving federal government contracts unless they have a policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Polis has led a number of letters to the President calling for this move, most recently joining Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in March on a bicameral letter signed by 130 Members of Congress.

"Today's executive order is an important step in ending workplace discrimination against LGBT employees. I commend the President for his strong leadership. This action has sent a message to not only federal contractors, but employers everywhere that our nation is one where every man and woman deserves the right to be judged by the quality of their work, not who they are or who they love."

"While I applaud the President for taking this bold step, it also reminds us that our work on bringing equality to the workplace is not yet over. Across the nation there remain too many Americans who are faced with the unfortunate reality of hate and injustice as they pursue a career. It is time for the Congress to stand up to prejudice and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act now! The votes are there, the need is there, all we are waiting for is the courage of the Speaker to be there."

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