RELIGIOUS FREEDOM EXECUTIVE ORDER MAY AFFECT WORKPLACE RULES

On May 4, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order instructing federal agencies to follow the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a federal statute, and reconsider rules that inhibit religious freedom.  The Order does not expressly affect existing federal rules prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  The President upheld these executive orders in January, even though it was speculated that he might rescind them or sign a broader executive order.  The May 4 executive order places no requirements on the agencies regarding the timing or scope of their reviews. 

Many believe the rules promulgated under federal discrimination laws as to LGBT issues and rules under ObamaCare dealing with mandates for cost-free coverage for contraception and related services may be revised by the federal agencies to allow for religious exceptions.