Issue an executive order to prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

In Mr. Obama's SOTU address, he stressed "the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all." This idea is the core of American political culture, yet 29 states offer no statewide protection for LGBT workers against employment discrimination. An additional 7 also fail to offer such protection for transgender workers. This legal tolerance of discrimination is sickening and un-American. ENDA, which Mr. Obama has supported, would put an end to it but stands little to no chance of ever being passed by the House. Mr. Obama said in his SOTU that he will do whatever he can to "can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families." We, the signers of this petition, urge him to do so here — to take action where the House will not in fighting anti-LGBT discrimination.