Baltimore County bill would protect transgender people in the workplace, housing, and public places
Supporters wear "purple" to council meeting

http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/region/baltimore_county/baltimore-county-bill-would-protect-transgender-people-in-the-workplace

TOWSON, Md - There's a fight in Baltimore County over a bill that would stop discrimination against transgender people but some opponents worry women could end up the victims if the bill passes.

Dozens of people packed a council meeting in Towson Tuesday night to hear from both sides. The bill would protect transgender people at work and when they use the restroom.

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Balto. Co. Council hears testimony on transgender bill
Measure would prohibit discrimination in wake of Chrissy Lee Polis incident

By Alison Knezevich, The Baltimore Sun
9:56 p.m. EST, January 17, 2012

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-md-co-council-meeting-20120117,0,6969747.story

Baltimore County Council members heard emotional testimony Tuesday as dozens of residents turned out to speak about a proposal meant to prohibit discrimination against transgender people.

Supporters of the legislation, introduced Tuesday by Catonsville Democrat Tom Quirk, said the county must protect transgender people in the workplace and other areas. Opponents said they fear the bill would have dangerous consequences, including allowing men into women's restrooms.

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Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act Sparks Controversy in Md.
Posted: Jan 17, 2012 5:36 PM EST Updated: Jan 18, 2012 7:58 AM EST
By Corrina Pysa - email

http://www.wboc.com/story/16539590/gender-identity-anti-discrimination-act-sparks-controversy-in-maryland

SALISBURY, Md.- It's a controversial topic and it's sure to raise tempers.   

Prince George's County Del. James Hubbard is sponsoring the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act. Proponents argue the bill is necessary to promote gender equality, but not everyone is happy about it.

The bill was previously sponsored by Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk and Del. Ariana Kelly, but was defeated last year.   

One of the most controversial provisions would allow any man, so long as he's dressed as a woman, to use women's facilities. And Delmarva residents who spoke with WBOC have a lot of mixed emotions about it.

Citizens speak on both sides of Baltimore County Transgender Bill

Ann Miller, Baltimore County Republican Examiner
January 18, 2012

http://www.examiner.com/county-republican-in-baltimore/citizens-speak-on-both-sides-of-baltimore-county-transgender-bill

Bill 3-12, "Human Relations", was introduced Tuesday evening at the Baltimore County Council meeting, in front of a full chamber of citizens from both sides of the argument.  After adjournment, the meeting was open to public comment.  See bill language here.

Among the supporters of the bill were four transgender-related groups, including Gender Rights Maryland, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays.

The only organization represented on the opposition side was the Upper Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce, whose representative spoke on impact to the business community.

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Montgomery Co. police: Transgender bill has not led to bathroom rapes

Alison Knezevich
7:13 p.m. EST, January 18, 2012

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-montgomery-co-police-transgender-bill-has-not-led-to-bathroom-rapes-20120118,0,608636.story?track=rss

When Baltimore County Council members introduced a bill last night to ban discrimination against transgender people, much of the testimony focused on public restrooms. Opponents of the legislation said they feared men dressed as women would assault females in the bathroom.

Apparently, some who are against the legislation are circulating rumors that Montgomery County has had four such rapes since enacting a transgender anti-discrimination law in 2007.

Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger says that is not true.

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Maryland catering to cross-dressers
Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 1/17/2012 8:45:00 AM

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=1516236

Council members in Baltimore are introducing a "Peeping Tom" ordinance that reportedly creates "serious safety issues for women."

Baltimore County is considering a "gender identity anti-discrimination bill" that would allow cross-dressers or gender-confused individuals to use bathroom and shower facilities of the opposite sex. Council member Tom Quirk's Human Relations Bill 3-12 would legally protect cross-dressing, says Dr. Ruth Jacobs of Maryland Citizens for a Responsible Government (CRG).