|
FEDERAL GLOBE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL EMPLOYEES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PO Box 45237 Washington DC 20026-5237 |
 |
|
For Immediate Release THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2004 |
Contact: Rob Sadler Phone: 202-543-9583 E-mail: Rob@fedglobe.org |
|
FEDERAL GLOBE DECRIES OSC PULLBACK ON FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS FROM SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCRIMINATION WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Office of Special Counsel (OSC), the Federal agency with responsibility for protecting Federal employees from discrimination and retaliation, has recently removed from its web site all references concerning OSC’s jurisdiction to accept prohibited personnel practice complaints based on sexual orientation. Specifically, OSC has removed references to sexual orientation from its basic brochure, its complaint form, as well as from a 2-page flier entitled “Your Rights as a Federal Employee,” and a set of training slides. A June 2003 OSC press release announcing the settlement of the first case involving sexual orientation discrimination against a prospective applicant at the Internal Revenue Service was also removed. Federal GLOBE decries this action by OSC as mere political pandering to the conservative right. OSC’s actions send the chilling message that they intend to ignore the law and that they will not enforce 5 USC 2302(b)(10) which prohibits individuals from taking or failing to take actions based on sexual orientation. At the same time, even more worrisome, it also sends the silent, but implicit message that it is permissible to discriminate against a Federal employee because of his or her sexual orientation. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees have a right to know what their options are if a prohibited personnel practice is committed against them and that they are protected from adverse actions and discrimination based on their sexual orientation. OSC’s action clearly undermines this understanding and declares open season on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender federal employee. This action is unjustified, disingenuous at best, and a disservice to the Federal employees serving this Administration. Federal GLOBE demands that OSC immediately restore this information so that it is both visible and easily available both to the public and to all Federal employees.
**************************************************** Federal GLOBE is the umbrella organization for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual employee support groups in Federal workplaces. Its purpose is to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in the federal workplaces based on sexual orientation by (1) developing and providing educational programs and materials that address the distinctive concerns and problems of Gay men, Lesbians, and Bisexuals in the Federal Government; and (2) educating all members of the Federal workforce about issues of concern to Gay men, Lesbians, and Bisexuals.**************************************************** | |
|
| |