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CPPA Director M.V. Lee Badgett (economics) was at the White House Monday as President Barack Obama signed an executive order protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers. In the fact sheet released to accompany the signing, the White House cited some of Badgett’s research on why workplace equality is good for business.
The White House press release noted a 2013 analysis conducted by Badgett and three of her colleagues at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy that examined 36 research studies exploring how sexual orientation and gender identity workplace policies affect companies’ bottom lines. In short, the analysis concludes, “LGBT-supportive policies and workplace climates are linked to greater job commitment, improved workplace relationships, increased job satisfaction, and improved health outcomes among LGBT employees.”
In a lively East Room signing ceremony, Obama stepped back from the tragic world events of the last few days to celebrate gains that the LGBT community has realized over the last several years. He acknowledged the activists and advocates fighting for equal rights for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Thanks to all of their hard work, Obama said, “Our government will become just a little bit fairer.”
The executive order Obama signed prohibits federal contractors from discriminating against any employee or applicant because of sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, the order bars discrimination against federal employees based on gender identity. President Bill Clinton added sexual orientation to the list of classes protected for federal employees in 1998.
Badgett is an internationally recognized authority on LGBT economic issues. In the last several months, she has presented her research on the economic impact of sexual-identity discrimination at the World Bank and at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. She was also an expert witness during California’s 2010 Proposition 8 trial, which eventually overturned the voter-backed law banning same-sex marriage in the state. Badgett’s most recent book, When Gay People Get Married: What Happens When Societies Legalize Same-Sex Marriage, addresses the core issues in marriage debates in European countries and the U.S.
“This executive order brings the LGBT community one step closer to equality,” Badgett said. “This is a great day, and I was honored to be able to witness this piece of history.”
(Photo courtesy of Lee Badgett.)
