Washington, D.C. — Tonight, media outlets reported on a potential forthcoming executive order from the Trump administration that would legalize broad discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, individuals, as well as jeopardize women’s access to health services. Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement:
If the rumors are accurate, this executive order would sanction sweeping taxpayer-funded discrimination against LGBT people, women, and their families in blatant violation of Trump’s promise to “protect our LGBT citizens.” This language would give federal employees and recipients of federal funds—including for-profit corporations—free rein to discriminate against LGBT people, women, and families who do not comply with their beliefs. It would target LGBT families and single parents and harm thousands of children by expressly allowing child welfare services to discriminate.
It directs every federal agency to gut protections for LGBT people—from executive orders to agency rulings and guidance—and puts people’s homes, livelihoods, and their very health at risk. The fact that this type of order is even under consideration lays plain the anti-equality agenda this administration brings to the White House, proving once again that the Trump administration will shamelessly lie to the American people, including the taxpayers who will now be forced to fund discrimination they do not support.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Allison Preiss at [email protected] or 202.478.6331.