County Weighs Antidiscrimination Bill After State Fails to Protect

Since the state of Maryland was unable to pass a law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity, legislators in Howard County are looking to do so.

Members of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays approached the Howard County Council in July after the state failed to pass an antidiscrimination law. Initial concern came after a transgender woman was attacked at a McDonald's in Baltimore earlier this year. If the county passes the bill, it would be the third municipality in Maryland to adopt such a measure, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Howard Council chairman Calvin Ball stressed how important it is for people to "live in a safe environment without fear of discrimination." The lone Republican on the County Council, Greg Fox, said he had reservations about passing such a bill, but he said he would keep an open mind when testimony begins.