Baltimore Passes Amended Transgender Rights Bill

The Baltimore County Council passed a bill today to extend its standing human rights ordinance to protect LGBT citizens from discrimination.



The bill, which passed 5-2, prohibits discrimination against people in the Maryland County based on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity when it comes to housing, employment, education, financing, or public accommodations, according to WMAR News. The legislation does not include any mention of locker rooms and bathrooms, which became contentious areas of debate.



The bill makes Baltimore County the fourth municipality in Maryland to extend such protections.



Republicans Todd Huff of Lutherville and David Marks of Perry Hall voted against the measure, even though Marks previously had indicated he would support the bill, the Baltimore Sun reports.