On the day of his inauguration and transition into the White house, President Biden signed an executive order requiring all federal agencies to ensure rules and regulations prohibit workplace discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, expanding protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
The order codifies the June 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, in which the decision concluded that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act also applies to sexual orientation and gender identity, and should be adhered to always. The Equality Act was signed into law to ensure equal rights for all Americans and to prohibit discrimination.
“Adults should be able to earn a living and pursue a vacation knowing that they will not be fired, demoted, or mistreated because of whom they go home to or because how they dress does not conform to sex-based stereotypes.”
Excerpt from the Executive Order
The move to sign the order signals the intention of the Biden administration to guarantee protections for the LGBTQ+ community not only in the workplace, but in regard to housing, education, immigration, healthcare, military service, welfare and beyond. The administration has voiced their support for the LGBTQ+ community on multiple occasions and will continue to work towards ensuring America lives up to the promise on which it was founded — equality for all.
We encourage employers to familiarize themselves with these clarified rules and intentions, as well as ensure their workplace policies conform to the order accordingly.
For additional information, click here.