President Barack Obama amended Executive Order 11246 by prohibiting federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment decisions on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Most federal contractors and subcontractors are already prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and some have certain affirmative action obligations with respect to employing individuals with disabilities and veterans.  The prohibition will go into effect after the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contracts Compliance Program issues regulations, which are expected in early 2015.  While many states already prohibit these forms of discrimination, federal contractors and subcontractors in all states will need to comply with the amended Executive Order.