ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity gained preliminary approval Friday in the Maryland state Senate.
“The Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014” would amend the state’s anti-discrimination laws to add protections for transgender individuals in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations, gained preliminary approval Friday in the Maryland state Senate.
Lawmakers labored over how to define “gender identity” to prevent sex offenders or others from misusing the legislation. They ultimately agreed it should be demonstrated mainly by “consistent and uniform” assertion of the new gender identity, reports The Baltimore Sun.
Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery County), the bill’s cheif sponsor, said he was optimistic it would gain final approval, as 25 senators – a majority – cosponsored it.
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A companion bill filed in the House is awaiting a committee hearing on March 5.
