Maryland Becomes 17th State With Transgender-Specific Non-Discrimination Law

Good news! Maryland became the 17th state with an LGBT rights law that explicitly includes gender identity and gender expression to cover transgender and cisgender individuals from discrimination when Governor Martin O'Malley signed the measure today.

The Washington Blade reports:

O’Malley signing SB 212 into law caps off an eight-year effort to add gender identity and expression to Maryland’s anti-discrimination act. The measure is also the latest in a series of progressive bills that include the extension of marriage rights to same-sex couples, raising the state’s minimum wage and decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana that the governor has signed during his two terms in office. 

“It is always an amazing moment to be present when something that so many people have worked on for so many years comes to fruition,” said [Equality Maryland Executive Director Carrie] Evans. “We thank Gov. O’Malley for his continuing leadership on ensuring equality for LGBT Marylanders.” 

[...] 

Maryland will join 17 other states, D.C. and Puerto Rico that have added gender identity and expression to their anti-discrimination laws once the law takes effect on Oct. 1. The state’s hate crimes statute also include trans-specific protections.

Congratulations to Maryland!

Hat/tip to GLAAD Blog