Maryland Transgender Law May Be Put to Voters

Voters in Maryland's Montgomery County could be asked to decide whether to uphold an antidiscrimination law for transgender people passed by the County Council in the fall.

Opponents of the measure were able to attain enough signatures to get the issue placed on November's ballot, according to The Washington Post, but Equality Maryland is working to have the circuit court of Rockville review the validity of the signatures.

The law would protect transgender people from discrimination in housing and employment. It was slated to take effect February 20, but the referendum effort halted its implementation. Placing a referendum on the ballot in Montgomery County requires signatures from 5% of registered voters, which opponents of the rights law claim they have.

Opponents say the protections would be a slippery slope toward "indecent exposure in locker rooms." Citizens for a Responsible Government even created a website, NotMyShower.net, to spread its message against the gender identity bill. The group contends (occasionally in italics) the law may allow "forcing even religious schools to hire transgender teachers; and then also allow cross-dressing but biological males in your daughter's school locker room."

A spokesperson for Citizens for a Responsible Government told the Post that the group has obtained legal help from the antigay Alliance Defense Fund to prepare for any legal challenges. (The Advocate)

READ COMMENTS (0) EMAIL PRINT RECOMMEND

More Online Only

Art Artist Spotlight: Que Duong

A fortune-teller told Que Duong's mother he would amount to nothing — which is why he gives everything he has to each photo he takes.

News Features What Gays Need to Know About the Census
This year’s 10-question census sheet still present some gray areas as far as answering properly. We tell you some key facts on how to most accurately fill out your form.

Music Thicke and Juicy

Sexy soul singer Robin Thicke opens up about his Precious wife, homophobia in the music industry, and the gay men who’ve shaped his life and love since childhood.

Internet Herman on Why He Wants to Stop H8

Fitness trainer, Real World alum, and marriage equality advocate Scott Herman took some time between crunches to tell The Advocate that his concern for gay rights isn't manufactured, and he doesn't mind men checking him out.

Theater In Rehearsals for La Cage With Nick Adams

Broadway performer Nick Adams heads into rehearsals for the Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles and brings The Advocate along for the ride.

People Life on the G List: Gyms of L.A.

For an actor in L.A., which gym you go to is almost as important as who represents you. Which is why out actor David Moretti goes to almost all of them.

News Celebration of Courage Not So Courageous

Advocate contributor Michael Lucas says the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission needs to be doing more to stop violence against gays and lesbians in countries "oppressed by Islam."

Entertainment News The Trouble With Johnny

Johnny Weir will always be an attention-seeking brat who loves to wear fur. But he’s also the best thing to ever happen to men’s figure skating.

Commentary A Prom Canceled, A Preschooler Expelled

Columnist Kim Stolz wonders if banning a lesbian high-schooler from prom — and a preschooler with lesbian moms from kindergarten — is just a sign the Catholic church is gasping for air.

Television Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?

Millionaire Douglas Donahoo is looking for the perfect man (who is also eco-friendly). Will matchmaker Patti Stanger deliver?

Commentary The Truth Behind Her Name Was Steven

Advocate contributor Eden Lane says CNN's Her Name Was Steven will help raise the visibility of trans people on TV, but the most compelling part of Susan Stanton's journey was left to a title card at the end of the film.

Television Laverne, Surely
I Want to Work for Diddy alum Laverne Cox leads a trio of transgender ladies in VH1’s Transform Me, a new makeover show that flatters her hooker-heavy résumé.

Music Cherie’s Jubilee
With The Runaways, the new film about her life with Joan Jett, pioneering rock star Cherie Currie is enjoying a renaissance ... with a little help from Dakota Fanning.

Washington D C View From Washington: Universal Stagnation

As Democrats struggle to push through health care reform and LGBT legislation, some gay activists are suggesting the administration's failings are a product of incompetence.

Activism Sex-Ed Student Turns Teen Activist

When sex education classes at Danny Sparks's high school failed to address the issues important to him, he took matters into his own hands ... and became an activist in the process.

Photography Artist Spotlight: Ryan Colford

From his "candy shoppe" line — sweet treats made oh-so sexy — to his black and white studies of the male form, photographer Ryan Colford exposes the beauty of the male body.

DVDs Hot Sheet: Matt Damon, Alicia, Almodóvar
This week Matt Damon finds himself in Iraq, Alicia plays MGM, and Almodóvar's genius finds its way to your DVD player.

Commentary What Massa Could Learn From Ashburn

COMMENTARY: Matthew S. Bajko says Republican California state senator Roy Ashburn deserves praise for coming out of the closet despite his antigay voting record. Now, if only former congressman Eric Massa would follow his lead.

Music The Truth About Tracy and Kim

Don’t be tardy for this party! DJ Tracy Young comes clean — mostly — about her rumored lesbian relationship with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak.

News Kids Say the Darndest Things

Micah Schraft and his boyfriend, John, were filming Micah's family at Thanksgiving when the 5-year-old son of a family friend wanted to know if the two were husbands. The result is a video you have to see.

Commentary The Importance of Being Counted

With benefits from boosting hate-crimes and marriage equality laws to simply letting legislators know gay Americans indeed exist, the 2010 Census is a chance to stand up and be counted.