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Maryland Transgender Rights Bill Heads to Governor for Signature

The Fairness for All Marylanders Act just passed in the House of Delegates by a vote of 82-57 and now heads to Governor O’Malley for his signature. This bill will add explicit protections on the basis of gender identity to Maryland’s non-discrimination laws, making Maryland the 18th state to have such protections, and leaving only three states in the country that have sexual orientation but not gender identity state-wide non-discrimination protections.

The Task Force has been a proud partner with Equality Maryland and the Maryland Coalition for Transgender Equality to work for a statewide trans-inclusive non-discrimination law. The Task Force has been deeply engaged for years working to secure full legal protections for transgender people in Maryland.

Statement by Darlene Nipper, Deputy Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

This is an enormous victory in the long struggle to end discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Marylanders are against discrimination because of who you are and who you love — and they now have a law that fully reflects this strongly held value. What happened in Maryland will be an inspiration to millions who yearn for a day when our nation is free from the scourge of discrimination in all its forms. Today’s victory is also the culmination of many years of hard work — building support from the grassroots up, moving hearts and minds, and securing the votes for passage. It would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Equality Maryland and Maryland Coalition for Trans Equality. We would also like to thank those members and leaders in the Maryland House and Senate who worked so hard to advance and pass this legislation. We now look forward to Governor O’Malley’s expected signature.