(CNN) The Obama administration said on Wednesday it had opened a gender-neutral bathroom within the White House complex, a symbolic step for the President in order to protect the rights of members of the LGBT community in the workplace.

The "all-gender restroom" is in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next door to the West Wing, within the White House complex where many employees have meetings and offices.

The White House now allows staff and guests to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity, including in the West Wing.

"The White House allows staff and guests to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity, which is in keeping with the Administration's existing legal guidance on this issue and consistent with what is required by the Executive Order that took effect today for federal contractors," White House spokesman Jeff Tiller told CNN. "In addition, an all-gender restroom is also available in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which provides guests and staff an additional option."

It's part of numerous steps in the last year to bolster the rights of gays and lesbians, including signing an executive order barring discrimination based on sexual orientation within the federal government and at federal contractors. That order went into effect on Wednesday.