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Pallone Blasts Justice Department for attempting to rip away Protections for LGBT Employees

July 27, 2017

Washington, DC - Congressman Pallone released the following statement on the Department of Justice filing in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals arguing that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not prohibit discrimination against gay and bisexual employees.

“It is unconscionable that in 2017 President Trump’s Justice Department would rip fundamental protections away from LGBT employees. LGBT Americans make an enormous contribution to our economy and they are guaranteed equal rights and opportunities in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – the entity responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate in the workplace – said as much in its own brief contradicting the Justice Department’s position. The law is clear on this, but the Trump Administration is dead-set on pursuing a bigoted agenda, regardless of the federal law. This week the Trump administration has declared war on the LGBT community, and I will continue to stand with all Americans who object to its radical and anti-American agenda.”

Congressman Pallone was a leader in encouraging President Obama to sign an executive order banning all federal contractors from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.