The President today signed a much anticipated Executive Order prohibiting workplace discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  Here is a link to the executive order.

Of particular note, the executive order does not contain a religious exemption.  That topic has been one of intense negotiation between the White House and religious groups and their advocates during the past few months.  Ultimately, the President elected not to include a religious exemption.

The executive order directs the U.S. Department of Labor to issue proposed regulations implementing the order within 90 days. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs likely will be charged with enforcing these new obligations against government contractors.

We will provide additional information and insights about these new obligations and proposed regulations soon.

Stay tuned . . .