An executive order is in line to combat workplace discrimination

In a recent instance, a contractor who received federal money to perform projects for the government decided to ban workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. What did it take for this to occur? Well, it took 50,000 signatures on an online petition before the company decided to ban, officially, workplace discriminations against these individuals. Under federal law, however, such amendments are not necessary for companies to take. The company in mention is DynCorp, a contractor that received billions in federal money to complete projects. They were one of many companies of which the United States government had been dealing with that did not protect all individuals, regardless of sexuality. Why should taxpayer money be given to companies that discriminate against gay individuals?

However, if he wished to, President Barack Obama could put a stop to discrimination based upon sexual orientation with one executive order. And what good reason does he have not to put a stop to senseless discriminatory practices? Do not give American, taxpayer money to contractors that discriminate against gays.  If this decision were made, it could possibly lead to a broader legislation to be passed to make it illegal for more employers to discriminate against individuals based upon their sexual orientation.  Presidents throughout history have given executive orders to stop discriminatory practices based on "race, creed, color and national origin." The same should be done for gay individuals. Laws during these epochs were changed based upon critical thought and an attempt at a more egalitarian society. In our epoch, these laws should now make it illegal to discriminate against sexual orientation.

All is not lost, however. Twenty-one states have banned discrimination against sexual orientation, according to a researcher at Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy. Also, only about half of Americans are protected from discriminatory workplace practices. A move should be made to allow every American the right to not be discriminated against. Contractors that the federal government hires should be held responsible and not discriminate against individuals based on sexual orientation. To expedite this process, President Obama should issue an executive order making it illegal for such practices.