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Thursday, July 7, 2011

Conn. governor signs transgender protections into law


by Hannah Clay Wareham
Associate Editor
Wednesday Jul 6, 2011

CT Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
CT Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.   

Legislation bars discrimination based on gender identity or expression.

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Tuesday, July 5, signed into law legislation barring discrimination based on gender identity or expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and all other laws under the jurisdiction of the state’s Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

"The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition applauds Connecticut’s Governor Dannel P. Malloy for signing their new legislation protecting transgender youth and adults from discrimination in all areas including employment, housing and public accommodations," Gunner Scott, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), told Bay Windows. "I hope that our own Massachusetts legislature will soon follow in passing our state’s Transgender Equal Rights Bill."

Connecticut is the 15th state with clear legal protections designated for its transgender residents in statewide nondiscrimination legislation. 

"An Act Concerning Discrimination," or HB-6599 -- a bill that bars discrimination based on "gender identity or expression" in employment, housing, and public accommodations (including use of public restrooms) -- passed the Connecticut House after a five-hour debate on May 19, and the Senate on June 4.

"GLAD was proud to be part of the coalition that worked to pass Connecticut’s transgender non-discrimination bill, and we are thrilled that Governor Malloy signed the bill into law on Tuesday," said Jennifer Levi, director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders’ Transgender Rights Project. "Congratulations to the state of Connecticut for recognizing the dignity and worth of its transgender residents and acting to ensure that they will have fair and equal opportunities to earn a living, find a safe and comfortable place to live, and enjoy public spaces without fear of being discriminated against simply because of who they are."

Malloy’s signing of the legislation follows heavy media attention focused on the plight of transgender New Englanders -- from harmful "bathroom bill" rhetoric to heavy lobbying at Capitol Hill in Boston, it’s clear that the discrimination and bias faced by transgender persons deserve a legal response.

"Connecticut responded appropriately to this crisis," said Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay & Lesbian Taskforce. "We thank Gov. Dan Malloy and lawmakers for ensuring that the people of Connecticut, regardless of gender identity or expression, are protected from such discrimination. Congratulations to the Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition and CtEquality and all those who have advocated for these critical protections."

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