8/14/2019

BUSINESS/GOVERNMENT/LABOR/LGBTQ/RELIGION/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “U.S. businesses with federal government contracts would be allowed not to hire LGBT+ candidates on religious grounds under a proposed rule announced on Wednesday [8-14-19] by the U.S. Department of Labor. The policy change would state that government contractors, including universities, hospitals and corporations, can claim religious exemptions in employment decisions if they can produce evidence of ‘religious purpose’ in their organization. The policy, overseen by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) which sets anti-discrimination rules for businesses working with the government, would weaken an LGBT+ nondiscrimination order by former U.S. President Barack Obama…About one in four workers is employed by a government contractor, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Opponents expressed concern that the rule amounted to tax-funded discrimination against vulnerable populations, including single mothers and LGBT+ Americans.”

Kate Ryan, “Government contractors could refuse LGBT+ workers under new U.S. religious exemption,” Reuters, August 14, 2019 3:49 pm