On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Labor
Thomas Perez issued a blog post highlighting the Labor Department's
work in advancing the rights of LGBT workers.
In his post, titled Promoting
Opportunity for ALL Americans, Perez celebrates “the great
work” his department has done to “ensure equal rights for LGBT
workers.”
“We have a responsibility to make
sure that every worker has the same opportunity to pursue and realize
their dreams, and we take that responsibility very seriously,”
Perez wrote. “And not just because it's the right thing to do,
which it is. It's also the smart thing to do. Diverse and inclusive
workplaces are productive workplaces. Our economy works best when we
field a full team, so we can't afford to leave any talent on the
bench.”
Perez touted the Department of Labor's
implementation of the president's executive order on LGBT workplace
discrimination, which prohibits federal contractors and
subcontractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation
and gender identity.
“We're proud of our accomplishments
on behalf of LGBT workers and job seekers and their families. Of
course, for all our progress, there remains more work to do. As we
celebrate Pride Month, we also celebrate our continued commitment to
building on our accomplishments going forward so that every person in
our nation can realize their highest and best dreams, no matter who
they are or whom they love.”