WASHINGTON –U.S. Representative Gary Peters (MI-14) released the following statement after the White House announced President Obama will sign an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity:

“The President’s executive order banning workplace discrimination against LGBT employees of federal contractors will expand critical anti-discrimination protections to thousands of workers. This is an important step toward greater equality for LGBT Americans, but the fight for full equality in the workplace is far from over.

“No American should face discrimination in the workplace, and no American should face discrimination based on who they are or who they love.  I’m proud to cosponsor the Employment Non-Discrimination Act which, if passed, will protect all employees from being fired, being denied a promotion or being harassed on the job because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

“By ensuring these basic standards of fairness in the workplace, we can take one step closer toward living up to the ideals our nation was founded on—equality, freedom and justice. I will continue to fight for equal rights so that we can say with confidence that America is a place where anyone can have the chance to succeed.”

###