Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Transgender Protections Approved

According to the Washington Post, the Council approved new transgender protections despite the bathroom fracas:

The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved protections today for transgender individuals in housing and employment, despite vigorous protests from a coalition of conservative groups that said the measure would lead to indecent exposure in locker rooms and restrooms.

Without discussion, the council voted 8-0 to join 13 states and the District in outlawing discrimination based on a person's gender identity. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) is expected to sign the measure, according to his spokesman.

Council member Roger Berliner (D-Bethesda-Potomac) called the measure a "step forward on civil rights."

Outside the council building in Rockville this afternoon, about 20 protesters urged the council to reject the measure and carried signs that read "Protect Our Kids" and "Fight Indecent Exposure." Opponents seized on a component of the bill that would prohibit discrimination in public accommodations.