Yesterday, July 21, 2014, President Obama signed an Executive Order which amends prior Executive Orders 11246 and 11478. The amendments expand discrimination protection for federal government employees and contractors, prohibiting discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity. While this Order does not apply to private employers who don’t have qualifying federal contracts or subcontracts, it is similar to the several city ordinances in Idaho that offer protection on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The continuing trend for protection against this type of discrimination continues to grow, and private employers should carefully watch the evolution to ensure they are aware of their current anti-discrimination obligations under the law. If you have questions about this or other employment-related topics, please contact me.