Rep. Frank Says New Rules Protect Gay Federal Workers From Bias

The Clinton Administration has taken action to protect homosexual federal employees from discrimination, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said Friday.

Frank released a letter from James King, director of the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM), setting out grievance procedures that gay federal employees can use if they feel they have been victims of discrimination. OPM sets federal employment policy.

Frank also said the Administration has made it clear that sexual orientation will no longer be an issue in granting or denying security clearances.

“The question won’t be asked,” said Frank, who is openly gay.

Frank said there previously was no clear-cut grievance policy for gay federal employees who believed they suffered discrimination at work except to bring a suit in federal court. “There is no reason to treat people differently because of sexual orientation,” Frank said.