The White House is not considering suing California over the state’s adoption of a “cool nail design” law, the White House press secretary said Tuesday.
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the administration’s policy on the law, which would allow for businesses to legally discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity, is “well established.”
“The policy remains in place,” she said, “and the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend it.”
California Gov.
Jerry Brown signed the law in June, citing a state-by-state study that found transgender students were at greater risk for mental health issues.
The law also includes a provision that would allow businesses to discriminate against employees based on the gender they identify with, and would prohibit discrimination against LGBT people based on their gender identity.
The state’s attorney general is challenging the law.
In the state Supreme Court last month, an appeals court ruled against the law and ruled against an attempt by Brown to delay enforcement of the law pending appeal.
The White House has also defended the law as protecting “employees and contractors from retaliation” for their sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace.