Executive orders for human rights

Abstract

The present article analyzes Executive Order 13672, which extends workplace protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) workers who are employed or seeking jobs with federal contractors in the United States. The US Constitution gives presidents power to act in the public interest by issuing directives to federal agencies, and these policies have the potential for addressing discrimination, social justice, and human rights issues. Implications for how executive orders may be further used to advance human rights, particularly nondiscrimination efforts, and to advocate for LGBT workers are explored.