Lambda Legal: Trump to Businesses—‘Federal Gov’t doesn’t care how you treat your employees’

(Washington D.C.  March 27, 2017) – The White House today issued an Executive Order rescinding an Obama era Executive Order 13673 which required companies that want to do business with the federal government to disclose whether they have been liable for discriminating against people, including against LGBT people. The now-rescinded Executive Order also instructed federal officials to take into account a company’s history of violating labor laws when awarding contracts.

Lambda Legal CEO Rachel B. Tiven issued the following statement in response:

“This sends a message that the government condones discrimination.  Scrapping an order like this one is different than not adopting one.  It’s not surprising given Donald Trump’s sordid history with women that this administration is allowing companies to hide sex discrimination – including sexual harassment.”

“Furthermore, this administration is inviting businesses to the table that violate equal pay and fair wage laws, ignore laws requiring family medical leave, or target employees for discrimination based on race, sex, gender identity, gender non-conformity (including being gay or lesbian), disability (including HIV), and numerous other grounds.

“All of these things violate the law. Companies that flout the law should be sued – not invited to win our tax dollars.  The Trump/Pence administration is depriving the people of a valuable enforcement tool.  Employees of federal contractors should know their rights, and contact us if they are discriminated against.  Lambda Legal will sue to enforce the federal laws that protect to LGBT employees and employees living with HIV.”