Senator Rich Madaleno's Statement On HB 235 - The Gender Identity Civil Rights Bill (+)
by: Autumn Sandeen
Thu Mar 03, 2011 at 07:00:00 AM EST
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/18777/senator-rich-madalenos-statement-on-hb-235-the-gender-identity-civil-rights-billMaryland State Senator Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery County) -- the only lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community member in the Maryland State Senate -- released a statement on the HB 235: Human Relations - Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity - Antidiscrimination Bill:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
I have been the lead sponsor or lead cosponsor of the Gender Identity Antidiscrimination Act for the past four years. In advance of the 2011 Session, I had a bill drafted that is identical to the bill I had introduced previously. This draft prohibited discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. However, our advocacy coalition asked me to not introduce the bill, preferring a strategy of pursuing a House bill alone. This approach has not diminished my commitment to enacting these much needed protections, and I urge the House of Delegates to pass HB 235, with an amendment that prohibits discrimination against transgender individuals regarding public accommodations.
