Connecticut Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Bill Signed By Governor Dan Malloy

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy (D) signed a measure on Tuesday to add gender-based language to the state's anti-discrimination statute, making Connecticut the 15th state in the country to protect transgender people from discrimination.

"An Act Concerning Discrimination," or HB-6599, states that employers and contractors are explicitly prohibited from discriminating on the grounds of "gender identity or expression," which it defines as "a person's gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth."

The new protections don't officially go into effect until October 1, but Malloy's move marks a victory for New England's LGBT community, which, according to Raw Story, lobbied state lawmakers in a successful campaign to push the measure through Connecticut's legislature.

Gay rights supporters in other states celebrated Malloy's decision to sign the bill.

"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, told New England's Bay Windows.

"I hope that our own Massachusetts legislature will soon follow in passing our state’s Transgender Equal Rights Bill."

Comments

[Michiko Ota]

03:05 PM on 07/07/2011

While the bill language puts the social needs of crossdressers, drag queens and genderqueers over the medical needs of transsexuals and the privacy of all women, it is a step in the right direction.

[Ioan Lightoller]

01:12 PM on 07/07/2011

Great to see this happen. Congrats to all transgendered people in Connecticul!

[Eaglepreacher7]

02:32 PM on 07/07/2011

I think you meant Connecticut. See, this is the problem when you make a big deal out of someone's spelling. Sooner or later you mess up a word

[blackreign]

11:47 AM on 07/07/2011

And such is the LBGT pandora's box, fully opened.

[Indaba]

08:00 PM on 07/06/2011

Good for you trannies - that is OK right?
When you read Shakespeare's Twelth Night, they have all the gender bending in that plot.
I hope this helps you all in your lives. Wish you well.

[charlesdickens]

09:24 AM on 07/07/2011

All's Well that Ends Well in this Midsummer Night's Dream.