Executive Order Expands Protections to LGBT Federal Employees

On July 21, 2014, President Obama expanded anti-discrimination protections to federal employees and federal contractors through an executive order that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.  Executive order 13672, which is enforced by the EEOC, has increased the protections offered for federal LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) workers.  The EEOC relies on several circuit court decisions in regards to transgender discrimination.  In Hopkins, the Supreme Court held that under Title VII, “an employer may not take gender into account in making an employment decision.”  Prince Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228, 239 (1989).