Transgender Protection Bill Advances In Md. Senate
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller says the reason he stalled work on a measure to extend protections to transgendered individuals is because the proposal lacks enough support in the Senate.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to weigh the proposal Thursday afternoon, but its odds of passing are slim, as lawmakers rush toward the end of the 2011 sessions.
The legislation would extend housing and employment discrimination protections based on a person's gender identity, and not necessarily on that person's sex at birth.
The bill is supported by many of the lawmakers and activists who pushed earlier this year to legalize gay marriage in Maryland.
Lawmakers end their work for the 2011 session Monday at midnight.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
