'Bloch is snubbing 20 years of bipartisan interpretation of the law,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement today regarding statements by Special Counsel Scott Bloch, who manages the federal agency responsible for investigating workplace discrimination. Bloch told a Senate hearing yesterday that he doesn't have the authority to enforce a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation.

&quotBloch is snubbing 20 years of bipartisan interpretation of the law. A statute in place since the late 70s has protected federal workers against discrimination based on sexual orientation. We are deeply troubled that he continues to disregard this law.

&quotWhen a clear statement from President Bush bolsters Bloch's ability to enforce this law, it becomes clear that Bloch is looking for any way he can to ensure federal workers do not get equal employment protection.

&quotThe federal workforce is struggling to attract workers. It's past time for Bloch to recognize that a diverse workforce is what he needs. More than 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies have these policies because they're not just good for employees but good for business.&quot

In April 2004, the White House released the following statement: &quotLongstanding federal policy prohibits discrimination against federal employees based on sexual orientation. ﾃ President Bush expects federal agencies to enforce this policy and to ensure that all federal employees are protected from unfair discrimination at work.&quot