Pelosi Statement on Labor Department Rule Protecting LGBT Federal Contractors

December 3, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement on the Department of Labor's implementation of the final rule that bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in federal contracts:

"Today's Department of Labor rule safeguarding employment equality for LGBT federal contractors affirms that, in America, no one should be denied opportunities because of who they are or who they love. Brick by brick, we are dismantling the discrimination that has burdened the lives of LGBT Americans and building a safer, more just society for future generations.

"Extending basic protections to LGBT federal contractors against being fired, harassed, or discriminated against is a victory for all Americans. As a result of President Obama's leadership in protecting LGBT federal employees from workplace discrimination, our nation is able to move closer to fulfilling the promise of ‘E pluribus unum', out of many, one.

"Now, Congress must follow the President's lead and pass a strengthened, bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act to ensure that the basic standards of fairness apply to all American workers regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."