Orlando bans discrimination against transgenders

By Mark Schlueb, Orlando Sentinel

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-gender-identity-protection-20140811,0,797985.story


In Orlando, it's now against the law to discriminate against transgender people because they identify as members of the opposite sex.

The City Council granted final approval Monday to a measure that extends Orlando's existing anti-discrimination protection to include transgender people. That means gender identity joins a list of protected classes that already includes sexual orientation, race, disability, sex, national origin, religion, age and marital status.

The move prohibits Orlando businesses from denying jobs or promotions, turning away renters or buyers of homes or refusing service at restaurants, bars, hotels and other accommodations to people because they are transgender.

"It cannot be overstated how important this is. For the first time, we have an anti-discrimination ordinance that protects all people," said Gina Duncan, who has worked with Orlando officials on the issue as transgender inclusion director for Equality Florida.

Commissioners approved the ordinance unanimously. About 10 people showed up to show support for it, and no one spoke in opposition.


It was a marked difference from a pair of public hearings in the same room 12 years ago when the council added "sexual orientation" to the list of protected classes, essentially outlawing overt discrimination against gay people. Those meetings lasted for hours, with some opponents comparing gay people to pedophiles.

The lack of opposition on Monday shows how much attitudes have changed in a relatively short time, Mayor Buddy Dyer said.

"We've gotten to the point where we can do — with very little controversy — things we ought to be doing, so I'm very proud of that," he said.

Michael Slaymaker, who advocated for both efforts, noted the change in Orlando.

"We've changed, we've grown up, and we are an inclusive city," he said.

mschlueb@tribune.com, 407-420-5417 or Twitter @MarkSchlueb