Transition Team Won’t Discriminate

The Obama/Biden Transition Team has been commended by the American Civil Liberties Union for including sexual orientation and gender identity in its non-discrimination policy. Although there are no explicit federal protections for gender identity bias in the federal government’s hiring practices, this is an important first step in protecting the rights of all individuals.

Christopher E. Anders, ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel, said, “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).” 

If you weren’t around (or paying attention) in 1992-1993, you are going to be very pleased at how quickly the world changes as a Democratic presidency gets underway. Things happen fast, and this is early evidence of the kind of welcome changes we can expect.