Despite using the “LGBT” acronym five times in today’s news release, the Department of Housing and Urban Development apparently does not include gender identity in its non-discrimination policy. From a news release celebrating “LGBT Pride Month”:
To implement the President’s memorandum, Secretary Donovan has ordered that for the next 90 days HUD leadership teams conduct a review on where HUD can extend federal benefits to employees with same sex partners. Additionally, the Secretary signed a non-discrimination policy that expressly discusses non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation from all HUD program offices making it easier to develop solutions to employees’ potential questions and concerns. Finally, HUD has created a Diversity Council that will ensure that there is coordination and accountability in HUD’s efforts to continue to attract and retain a diverse pool of talented employees.
I have a call in to HUD’s Public Affairs office asking if gender identity is included in the non-discrimination policy. And, if not, why not. And, if so, why is it not listed in the release.
The full release is below the jump.
HUD NEWS
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20410
FOR RELEASE
Tuesday
June 23, 2009
www.hud.gov/news/
HUD SECRETARY SHAUN DONOVAN & CHAIRMAN BARNEY FRANK CELEBRATE HUD LGBT PRIDE MONTH
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and Deputy Secretary Ron Sims joined Congressman Barney Frank today in hosting the first event in twelve years to recognize HUD Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) employees.
“At HUD, we not only want the unique differences every employee brings to the workplace – to fulfill our mission of providing safe, affordable housing to every American, we absolutely need them,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Whether it is federal benefits that celebrate the values of all families, a tough non-discrimination policy that ensures we at HUD are respectful to one another, or a Diversity Council that ensures our department represents a broad cross-section of America, HUD is committed to making sure our LGBT community not only recognizes that they are welcome at HUD – but are essential to everything we do.”
This celebration occurred less than a week after President Obama signed a Memorandum regarding Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination. This historic memorandum authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to extend benefits to same-sex domestic partners that do not require legislative change, like long-term care insurance for same-sex domestic partners of federal employees. This memorandum paves the way for equality for the government’s dedicated public servants who have been denied basic rights on the basis of their sexual orientation.
To implement the President’s memorandum, Secretary Donovan has ordered that for the next 90 days HUD leadership teams conduct a review on where HUD can extend federal benefits to employees with same sex partners. Additionally, the Secretary signed a non-discrimination policy that expressly discusses non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation from all HUD program offices making it easier to develop solutions to employees’ potential questions and concerns. Finally, HUD has created a Diversity Council that will ensure that there is coordination and accountability in HUD’s efforts to continue to attract and retain a diverse pool of talented employees.
In his speech, Secretary Donovan referenced progress on LGBT issues at the department: “In 1993 HUD welcomed the first openly lesbian or gay public official whose appointment to a federal position was confirmed by the United States Senate: Roberta Achtenberg, who served our country and our department as Assistant Secretary here at HUD. That tradition will be furthered by two nominees currently before the US Senate: Raphael Bostic, nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Policy Development, and Research and Mercedes Márquez, our nominee for Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development.”
Eddie Eitches, President of AFGE Local 476, noted that in 1990 HUD and AFGE successfully negotiated a non-discrimination clause that went beyond Federal statutes: “No discrimination will be tolerated on the basis of sexual preference and or orientation.” In addition, the contractual definition of family member includes those “related by affinity whose close association with an employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.” AFGE supports efforts to provide complete equality for HUD’s GLBT employees as well as those who benefit from HUD programs.
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HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.
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Chris Geidner is the award-winning senior political editor at D.C.'s Metro Weekly and has written for The Atlantic Online, The American Prospect, Advocate.com, Salon and other publications, as well as at his blog, Law Dork. In 2011, he received the Excellence in News Writing Award from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association for his coverage of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal. Prior to moving to D.C. in 2009, he served as an attorney on the senior staff at the Ohio Attorney General's Office and had earlier worked for a leading Columbus law firm. An extended biography can be found