Connecticut Considers Transgender Antidiscrimination Protections

The Hartford Courant reported today that Connecticut legislators will introduce a Transgender Anti-discrimination Bill sometime during this legislative session. The proposed bill would seek to prevent discrimination on the basis of one's gender expression or identity.

As the Courant points out, Connecticut has long prohibited discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, and was one of the first states in the Nation to outlaw bias against gays and lesbians. Still, similar bills have been proposed and failed in Connecticut over the last several years, the most recent one in 2007. According to the article:

The proposal would extend those protections to people whose appearance doesn't mesh with gender stereotypes, such as women who favor traditionally "masculine" clothing or hairstyles, or men who appear effeminate.Such individuals would be protected even if they don't view themselves as transgendered.

The term transgender covers a wide variety of people, including: transsexuals, who physically alter their gender through surgery or other means; cross-dressers; and intersex individuals who are born with ambiguous genitalia.

The organization Love Makes a Family has long been a key part of the coalition behind the gender identity bill. "This is something that's been a priority for our organization for several years now," said Carol Buckheit, associate director of Love Makes a Family. "Certainly, we're going to redouble our efforts in support of this legislation."

The article can be read in its entirety by clicking here.