Gay Rights Executive Order

Gay rights groups have revived their campaign for an executive order banning discrimination among federal contractors. They unsuccessfully lobbied President Barack Obama last year for a directive to protect employees at those companies from bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Obama declared his support of gay rights in his inaugural speech Monday. But a spokesperson said the White House isn't ready to issue an order. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said any directive would have to be structured narrowly because the sanction is usually debarment. It said businesses also would worry about new paperwork and enforcement requirements.