MARYLAND: House Approves Transgender Rights Bill, Gov Has Promised To Sign

This afternoon a transgender rights bill was approved by the full Maryland House despite the usual hysterical screaming by Christian and anti-gay hate groups who employed the now-familiar specter of hairy men in dresses invading the public bathrooms. Via press release from TransMaryland:

In a big win for transgender equality in Maryland, today the Maryland House of Delegates passed SB 212: Fairness for All Marylanders Act with a vote of XX-XX. The bill, previously passed by the Senate in an overwhelming 32-15 vote, updates Maryland’s anti-discrimination law to include transgender people. This ensures that everyone is free to work for a living, secure housing, and get served lunch at a restaurant regardless of gender identity. The Maryland Coalition for Transgender Equality, a coalition of more than 50 organizations and individuals working to advance civil rights for transgender Marylanders, hailed the victory as the culmination of many years of work by the transgender community and allies. The Coalition praised bill sponsors Senator Rich Madaleno and Delegate Luke Clippinger for their hard work and thanked them for their leadership.

The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. O'Malley, who has promised to sign it. As noted above, one of the bill's major backers in the House was openly gay Del. Luke Clippinger who is a devoted JMG reader. And now we wait for the delicious, delicious sadz.