ACLU Commends Obama-Biden Ban on Discrimination Against LGBT Applicants for Jobs in the New Administration

Transition Protects Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in New Administration's Non-Discrimination Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312; media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON - The American Civil Liberties Union commends the Obama-Biden Transition team for including sexual orientation and gender identity in its non-discrimination policy as it prepares to assume power in January. Although President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 11478, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, there are no explicit federal protections from gender identity bias in government hiring.

The following may be attributed to Christopher E. Anders, ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel:

"As the new Administration gears up, it should be focused on hiring the best people for the job. 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. President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden, by explicitly rejecting the bigotry and intolerance of the past, are committing that gay, lesbian, and transgender professionals can serve in government without fear of discrimination. This is a critical next step in securing the basic rights of LGBT community.

"The inclusion of gender identity is a bold departure from the past – and it sends a clear message. The ACLU recommends that President-Elect Obama follow up by 1) banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in federal contracting and 2) urge Congress to pass a gender-identity inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)."

The Obama-Biden Transition Non-Discrimination Policy can be viewed at www.change.gov/page/s/application

To learn more about the ACLU's Transition Plan: Actions for Restoring America, go to: www.aclu.org/about/37256res20081020.html