The rule implements Executive Order 13672, which was signed by President Obama on July 21. That Order tasked the DOL with updating Executive Order 11246 to add gender identity and sexual orientation to the classes it protects. While several states, including Illinois, already forbid workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, the Order was the first federal action to ensure workplace equality in the private sector based on sexual orientation.
The final rule will become effective 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register and will apply to subsequent federal contracts. Find more information here.