Some more good news from a State Capitol. This time it's Hartford. And, it's progress on transgender anti-discrimination.
Governor Malloy, who was elected last November, signed a bill to provide protections from discrimination based on gender identity or expression into law today:
Democratic Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed legislation Wednesday that is designed to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or expression.I've found that on many issues, from gun control to marriage equality, Connecticut has been on the leading edge.
The new law adds the phrase "gender identity or expression" to all existing state sex discrimination laws, making Connecticut the 15th state to specifically protect transgender people.
Anything under authority of the state's Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities is subject to the new rules, including employment, housing, public accommodations and credit.
Here's what the Governor said after the bill passed in the legislature last month:
“This bill is another step forward in the fight for equal rights for all of Connecticut’s citizens, and it’s the right thing to do. It’s difficult enough for people who are grappling with the issue of their gender identity, and discrimination against them has no place in our society. Connecticut has led the way in other civil rights issues and I’m proud to be able to support and sign this bill.”It is the right thing to do.
