In 2014, President Obama issued an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating against employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This expanded existing protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The concept aimed to ensure fair treatment and opportunity in the workplace for LGBTQ+ individuals employed by entities doing business with the federal government.
The rationale behind implementing such protections included promoting workforce equality, improving employee morale and productivity, and ensuring that federal funds were not used to support discriminatory practices. Historically, LGBTQ+ individuals faced significant barriers to employment and career advancement. These measures sought to address these disparities and create a more inclusive work environment. Federal contractors were required to implement policies and practices consistent with these anti-discrimination principles.
