Transgender citizens challenge petition signatures

[Shana A]

Transgender citizens challenge petition signatures
June 3, 2008 - 6:12am

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1414315

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - Supporters of broad new legal protections for transgender citizens are asking a Montgomery County judge to invalidate a referendum that could repeal the new law.

Lawyers for Equality Maryland and Lambda Legal are challenging the validity of signatures on the petition that forced the referendum. The petition was certified by the county Board of Elections in March, but the attorneys claim the signatures should include full names as they appear on the state voter register.

The new law protects transgender people from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and taxi and cable service. But a group called Citizens for a Responsible Government says the law protects only a few people while infringing on the privacy rights of others.