Chicago passes gender rights ordinance

With no fanfare or controversy, the Chicago city council passed an ordinance Wednesday that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression. Chicago mayor Richard Daley endorsed the legislation. "We are ecstatic that Chicago joins the growing list of cities that protect gender-variant people," said Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Illinois. "Transpeople are some of the most abused and violated people in our society. Today we sent the message that all people in Chicago, including gender-variant people, must be treated fairly and with respect."

With this vote, Chicago joins 10 other jurisdictions that have passed such legislation this year. Among those jurisdictions are Dallas, New York City, Philadelphia, and Decatur, Ill. The legislation prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit transactions based on gender identity or expression.