Cantwell Statement on President Obama Signing Executive Order Barring Discrimination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s signing of an executive order banning all companies that contract with the federal government from discriminating against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and banning discrimination against federal workers based on gender identity. In March, Cantwell joined nearly 200 members of Congress in a letter calling on the President for this action.

“Today’s executive order is a key step forward on the path to workplace fairness for everyone,” Cantwell said.  “The President’s action reinforces the basic principle that in today’s economy, employees should be judged on the work they do – not on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  As a result of today’s action, millions of federal workers and federal contractors will gain common-sense protections against workplace discrimination.  Now it’s time for Congress to act to protect all American workers from workplace discrimination.”

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