Howard County considers trans non-discrimination bill

Four members of the Howard County, Md., Council introduced legislation on Oct. 27 that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, financing, health and social services and law enforcement.

Dana Beyer, executive director of Gender Rights Maryland, a statewide transgender advocacy group, said supporters believe they have enough votes on the Council to pass the legislation.

“All hard-working people in our state, including transgender people, should have a chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families,” said Sharon Brackett, board chair for Gender Rights Maryland. “Nobody should have to live in fear that they can be legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance.”

Among the bill’s lead supporters is the Howard County chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

“As parents of transgender children we want the same thing for our children as all parents want: we want them to be happy to get a productive job, and to move out and support themselves,” said Catherine Hyde, coordinator of PFLAG Howard County’s Transgender Parent Network.

“Discrimination against the transgender community is rampant in Maryland,” she said. “The data shows that one in five transgender people in Maryland have lost a job because they are transgender, and 12 percent have become homeless. This law is a matter of life-or-death for many Marylanders, including my child. It is time for Howard County to say enough is enough.”