The following is a statement from National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) Director of Outreach and Public Affairs Kyle Murphy:
Washington, DC – “The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) applauds President Obama’s decision to sign an Executive Order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity Monday. Once again, he has demonstrated his commitment to the cause of equality and inclusion and has solidified his place as the strongest champion of LGBT individuals ever to reside in the White House. From his dedication to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic, to his efforts to ensure LGBT inclusion in health care reform, his endorsement of marriage equality and now his actions to sidestep Congressional obstruction to provide workplace protections to tens of thousands of LGBT federal employees, his legacy in our community will well outlast his presidency itself.
“This Executive Order, which provides protection to gay and transgender employees of federal contractors from workplace discrimination, is important to advancing the goals of inclusion, and establishing a work environment that recognizes the value of and need to respect all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Given the link between employment and health insurance coverage, housing stability and food security, ensuring that all workers have access to work environments free from bigotry, fear and retaliation is not only a moral imperative but a public health necessity. While NMAC celebrates this advancement in LGBT equality – at least for LGBT individuals working for federal contractors – we recognize the need for permanent legislation that would extend this protection to all LGBT Americans, both in the public and private sectors. NMAC urges Congress to not only follow the President’s lead, but exemplify the principles of equality upon which this nation was founded, and pass employment nondiscrimination legislation without delay, and without potentially harmful religious exceptions.”
Contact: Kyle Murphy, (202) 803-8027 / kmurphy@nmac.org