The Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination bill was officially introduced on Thursday by Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk (Dist. 21) and Delegate Ariana Kelly (Dist. 16). The bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the areas of employment, housing and credit.  From the Equality Maryland press release:

“All hardworking people in our state, including transgender people, should have a chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. Nobody should have to live in fear that they can be legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance,” said Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk.

Delegate Ariana Kelly of Montgomery County has joined the fight as a lead sponsor this year. “Montgomery County has had an anti-discrimination law since 2007. It has been implemented successfully, with no problems. It is time for all residents of our state to be treated fairly and equally under the law,” said Delegate Kelly.

“Equality Maryland is thrilled to see the growing momentum behind this critical legislation,” said Morgan Meneses-Sheets, Executive Director of Equality Maryland.

“Discrimination against the transgender community is rampant in Maryland. Data show that 1 in 5 transgender people in Maryland have lost a job because they are transgender, and 12% have become homeless. This law is a matter of life-or-death for many Marylanders,” added Ms. Meneses-Sheets.

“There is no Maryland state law or a federal law providing these basic protections, but 12 states and more than 100 cities across America have already passed similar non-discrimination laws-and implemented them successfully,” said Ms. Meneses-Sheets. “The time for this bill is now.”

Marylanders, you can help get the gender identity anti-discrimination bill and the marriage equality bill passed by urging your legislators to support the bill and by participating in Why Equality Matters Day on January 31st at the Maryland Statehouse.  The event starts at 5 pm.  For details and to sign up, click here.

And with your help, we can quickly pass these bills through the House and Senate this legislative session. But your elected officials need to hear your voice before they take these historic votes that affect our community.

Update: The bill has been assigned the number HB 235.  Bill text and other information can be found here. (more…)