News (USA)

Md. GOP lawmakers launch ballot effort to repeal transgender rights law

Md. GOP lawmakers launch ballot effort to repeal transgender rights law

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Two Maryland legislators have launched a petition drive to have the state’s new law barring discrimination against people who are transgendered brought to a referendum.

Maryland statehouse in Annapolis
Maryland statehouse in Annapolis

Republican Delegates Neil Parrott and Kathy Szeliga announced the drive on MDPetitions.com at a news conference Tuesday. Parrott is chairman of MDPetitions.com.

The General Assembly passed the measure during this year’s session. Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley signed the bill, which prohibits discrimination on matters relating to housing, employment, credit and use of public accommodations into law.

Parrott, who referred to the measure as the “bathroom bill,” says it allows predators into opposite sex restrooms.

MDPetitions.com will need to collect 18,579 valid signatures by May 31 and a total of 55,736 signatures by June 30 to get a referendum on the ballot for November’s election.

A poll conducted last month found that 71 percent of Marylanders support the legislation.

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