Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today on President Obama’s decision to sign an executive order to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or identity for federal contractors:

“President Obama’s decision to sign an executive order to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or identity for federal contractors marks another significant step in our nation’s progress on civil rights. As the President has said, ‘in the United States, who you are and who you love should never be a fireable offense.’

“The executive order comes almost exactly one year after the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act following President Obama’s refusal to defend DOMA’s constitutionality. President Obama has also overseen the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and strengthened protections against hate crimes by signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

“This executive order adds to the list of the LGBT community’s accomplishments during the Obama administration and is cause for celebration as we recognize June as LGBT Pride Month.  However, Democrats in Congress remain steadfast in our commitment to passing the Employee Non-Discrimination Act into law that will permanently extend these protections to all Americans. It’s time for Republicans to join us.”