The state’s LGBT advocacy organization readies for this important fight

ANNAPOLIS, M.D., JANUARY 27 -- Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk (District 21) and Delegate Ariana Kelly (District 16) officially introduced the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act on Thursday, January 27th.  The bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, and credit purposes.   

“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.”

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