Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Orders LGBT Protections Reinstated To Employment Policy Statement

The Washington Post reports:

The Commerce Department has removed language from its annual equal opportunity statement barring discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, prompting a protest from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists. In a statement Thursday afternoon, the Commerce Department said the statement “was never intended to change the policy or exclude any protected categories.”

“The Department of Commerce policy remains that we do not discriminate on the basis of transgender status and sexual orientation. Department employees will continue to enjoy the fullest extent of the protections of all the non-discrimination laws,” it said. “Secretary [Wilbur] Ross has directed the department to reissue the policy statement to address any concerns and prevent misinterpretation.”