A few years ago, we reported on regulations governing federal contractors’ nondiscrimination obligations with respect to LGBT employees. The Trump Administration has taken steps to roll back many Obama-era efforts, although the Executive Order and rules establishing LGBT-related protections for employees of federal contractors remain in force, at least for now. The Second Circuit recently decided a high-profile case that affirmed the legal basis for those obligations and extended them beyond the federal contractor community. In doing so, the Second Circuit rejected the Trump Justice Department’s position with respect to LGBT nondiscrimination.
The case, which has generated significant press coverage, deserves close attention from all employers, including contractors, as LGBT nondiscrimination rules continue to develop in courts, executive agencies, and legislatures. In this post, we examine the considerations for government contractors and outline some best practices for companies that work with the federal government.
Continue Reading In Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Claims, “EEO Is the Law,” and Not Just for Government Contractors