May 16th, 2014 by WCBC Radio
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law Thursday the controversial bill to extend protections from discrimination to transgender people. The bill was part of the last group of 200 bills approved by the legislature this year. The bill will ban discrimination in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations based on a person's gender identity. The state already bans discrimination in these areas based on race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Opponents have dubbed the bill the "bathroom bill' and claim it will be used by men who will dress up as women to use women's bathrooms and lockers rooms, and instead attack women and young girls. Supporters of the bill rejected that argument, claiming the measure could not be used as a legal defense. Opponents are circulating petitions to try to get the issue before voters in November. Delegate Kathy Szeliga…
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