Transgender Protections Approved in Cleveland

The Cleveland city council unanimously passed an ordinance Monday that will change antidiscrimination laws to add protections for transgender people in employment and housing.

According to The Plain Dealer,gay city council member Joe Santiago, who recently lost his bid for a second four-year term, introduced the ordinance last year, at the same time the council began to consider a domestic-partnership registry for same-sex couples. The registry passed by a vote of 13-7.

"The unanimous vote was the latest step the council has taken to demonstrate a more tolerant atmosphere -- one that helped the city land the 2014 Gay Games, an international competition," ThePlain Dealer reported.

Next year council members may consider expanding the nondiscrimination ordinance to allow transgender citizens to use either a men's or women's public restroom.