President Obama this morning signed amendments to Executive Order 11246 prohibiting companies that conduct business with the federal government from discriminating against their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.

"In fact, more states now allow same-sex marriage than prohibit discrimination against LGBT workers," Obama said at the signing ceremony.  "So I firmly believe that it’s time to address this injustice for every American."

In all, 18 states and 200 cities and localities have passed LGBT anti-discrimination laws.

Executive Order 11246 was originally issued by President Franklin Roosevelt to prohibit racial discrimination in the national defense industry. It was later expanded by President Eisenhower and President Johnson and today by President Obama.