Maryland came one step closer to protecting all LGBT citizens last week. The Maryland Senate approved the Fairness for All Marylanders Act March 4 in a 32-15 vote. The measure would provide statewide protection against discrimination based on gender identity and expression, legislation that has already been enacted at the municipal level in locales like Baltimore and Howard and Montgomery counties. The bill, which was introduced by Sen. Rich Madaleno (D) in the Senate and Del. Luke Clippinger (D) in the House, is now awaiting a vote in the House Committee on Health and Government Operations. The committee held a March 5 hearing on the bill. Witnesses testifying in favor of the measure included the state’s attorney general and out Del. Heather Mizeur, both of whom are gubernatorial candidates, as well as representatives from Gender Rights Maryland, Equality Maryland, Maryland Coalition for Trans Equality and other municipal and state officials. Opponents included the Baltimore Archdiocese and the Diocese of Wilmington, as well as the Maryland Catholic Conference. Equality Maryland executive director Carrie Evans said the passage of the bill in the Senate was a “huge day for transgender rights in Maryland.” “With their vote, 32 senators stood up to say no one should be denied the opportunity to work for a living, secure housing or eat lunch at a restaurant just because of their gender identity,” Evans said in a statement. The bill defines public accommodations as a business that provides lodging, a restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain or a place of exhibition or entertainment, or a retail establishment. The law includes a religious exemption for religious associations, schools or institutions, and for employers with 15 or fewer employees or apartment complexes with fewer than five units. If the bill passes in the House, and is signed by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who supports it, Maryland will become the 18th state to implement a measure that protects transgender citizens.
Newsletter Sign-up