Trump to keep LGBTQ federal workplace protections introduced by Obama

President Trump will not overturn the federal workplace protections for LGBTQ employees introduced by former President Barack Obama, the White House announced Tuesday morning. Before Trump's announcement, it was unclear if the policy signed in 2014 blocking federal contractors from discriminating against LGBTQ employees would stay intact, as Trump moves to dismantle much of Obama's work. When White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked at Monday's press briefing if the policy would remain in place, he said he didn't "know the answer."

But on Tuesday the White House indicated Trump is "determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the LGBTQ community." "President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election," the White House said in a statement. "The president is proud to have been the first ever GOP nominee to mention the LGBTQ community in his nomination acceptance speech, pledging then to protect the community from violence and oppression."

However, The Associated Press noted, the Human Rights Campaign remains unconvinced of Trump's "commitment to LGBTQ rights." HRC President Chad Griffin noted Trump has "left the key questions unanswered," including whether he will oppose executive actions that "allow government, taxpayer-funded organizations or even companies to discriminate."

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