06.16.14

Cantwell Statement on President Obama’s Announcement of Executive Order Barring Discrimination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement regarding the Obama administration’s announcement that President Obama plans to sign 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.

“This is a major step forward to protect millions of Americans from workplace discrimination,” Cantwell said. “Today, the federal government is sending an important message: Federal contractors will be judged on their work, not their sexual orientation.

“But we still have work to do. Today, millions of Americans can still be fired solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s time for Congress to put an end to that discrimination and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.”