Vermont lawmakers
pass bill banning gender identity discrimination

The Vermont legislature has approved a bill that would ban discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. The bill, if signed into law by Gov. Jim Douglas, would go into effect July 1. Douglas has indicated that he will sign this bill, despite vetoing a similar bill last year. If passed, Vermont will be one of a handful of states that ban discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked for the past several years with Vermont TransAction and Vermont state representative Bill Lippert to get this measure passed.

"Transgender people are among the most vulnerable to acts of bigotry," said task force executive director Matt Foreman. "We urge Governor Douglas to swiftly sign this measure into law. Only then will transgender Vermonters finally crack the dehumanizing and untenable barrier of second-class citizenship and the pervasive discrimination it encompasses."

The bill would ban discrimination in employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, and other areas. (The Advocate)