“The passage of this bill, from PFLAG’s perspective, will work to create a society that is healthy and respective of diversity. PFLAG envisions a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse gender expressions, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Only with respect, dignity and equality for all will we reach our full potential as human beings, individually and collectively,” said Mark Patro, Chapter President of PFLAG Baltimore County.
"As parents of transgender children we want the same thing for our children as all parents want: we want them to be happy, to get a productive job, and to move out and support themselves. This bill will make that dream more possible for transgender children in Baltimore County, who are at much higher risk for suicide, unemployment and homelessness,” said Catherine Hyde, the coordinator of PFLAG Howard-County’s Transgender Parent Network.
“All hardworking people in our state, including transgender people, should have a chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. Nobody should have to live in fear that they can be legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance. I have seen the result of this kind of discrimination and it should not be allowed in Baltimore County,” said Sharon Brackett, Board Chair for Gender Rights Maryland.
”In recent polling, 63% of Marylanders support adding comprehensive protections. Gender Identity protections are on the books in 15 states, the District of Columbia, and over 140 municipalities including Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and now Howard County covering 43% of Americans. We are seeking those protections to be extended to all Marylanders. Baltimore County following on the heels of Howard County passing the same protections offers us tremendous momentum at the state level going ahead,” added Brackett.
