Obama transition team bans LGBT discrimination

[ccharles000]

http://www.365gay.com/news/obama-transition-team-bans-lgbt-discrimination/

(Washington) The Obama-Biden transition team is telling prospective employees in the new administration it will not discriminate against LGBT workers.

“The Obama-Biden Transition Project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by law,” the Transition team says on its official Web site.

Although the commitment pertains only to transition team workers, LGBT civil rights activists say they believe Obama will issue an Executive Order shortly after being sworn in to extend that throughout the administration.

“The inclusion of gender identity is a bold departure from the past – and it sends a clear message,” said Christopher E. Anders, ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel.

“By including sexual orientation and gender identity in its non-discrimination policy, the Obama-Biden transition team makes clear that it will focus on the relevant qualities that actually predict an applicant’s success on the job – professional experience, character, skills and education.”

[saracat]

1. I thought that was already illegal to discriminate? And didn't Bush hire some

openly gay people? I know he appointed a gay ambassador though how on earth any GBLT can be GOP baffles me.

[stray cat]

2. The military discriminates - I don't think there is a special law

but I think it is perceived to be included in general non-discrimination laws.

[Terran]

3. No

There's no federal law (yet) banning job discrimination (or any other sort) against GLBT people. So for the trans team to issue such a statement is significant.

A non-discrimination statute is one of the things that really needs to be worked on, and most states don't even have such a law.

[Renew Deal]

4. Obama would clearly be banned from DU for this!

:evilgrin:

[Pab Sungenis]

5. Finally, a good move from Transition.

Thank you, Mr. President-elect.