Southern Baptists concede gay victory, contemplate attacking transsexualism

The southern Baptists are no different than any other hate group, they must have someone, or some group to focus on to remain viable. 

This weekend they will gather in Baltimore Maryland to decide to what extent they will mask their contempt of transgender people..

Using religious dogma,ignoring passages in the bible that explicitly welcome transgender people 'pastor' Denny Burk, pictured, is asking Southern Baptists to openly hate us.

A lot of people will say, who cares? He's just another evangelical hate filled religious demagogue?

Members of Baptist churches account for one-third of all Protestants and close to one-fifth of the total U.S. adult population. Baptists also account for nearly two-thirds of members of historically black Protestant churches. ~ Pew Report

Chances are good your employer is a Baptist or is affected by the attitudes of Baptists. So, my friends say, the work place is different. Company's have employment protocols? Yeah. Please do not kid yourselves. Religious beliefs always trump corporate policy overtly, if not openly.

What got this Denny Burk so worked up? Laverne Cox Time cover. He even featured it as proof of the transsexual menace.

After reading all the 'we love our transgender friends if they accept our god and ask for his forgiveness for their brokenness' bullshit we come to the real 'pastorial love' of this haters wishes.

Denny Burk warns that

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) has at different times seen majority support in both houses of Congress and would make it illegal for employers to make personnel decisions based on gender identity—a measure that would restrict the religious liberty of Christian employers (SIC) to hate.

Denny Burk's Resolution on Transgender for the SBC to be presented at the Southern Baptist conference June 10th will ask that they....

"condemn efforts to alter one’s bodily identity (e.g., cross-sex hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgery) to bring it into line with one’s perceived gender identity; and be if further

,,,continue to oppose steadfastly all efforts by any court or state legislature to validate transgender identity as morally praiseworthy and be it further

.....commit ourselves to pray for and support legislative and legal efforts to oppose the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and other legislation like it that would give gender identity the same legal protections as sex and race; and be it further

....That we call upon all judges and public officials to resist and oppose the efforts to treat gender identity as a protected class; and be it further

....That we oppose all efforts by media and entertainment outlets and public schools to mainstream transgender identity in the eyes of our children; and be it further...

On and on and on ad nauseum. I get it.. You are filled with hate and now that killing the gay agenda is a lost cause you're coming after us.

Southern Baptists concede gay victory, contemplate attacking transsexualism http://t.co/Asmj0HXcZb @DennyBurk @SBCMeeting @baptistpress

— planetransgender (@kellibusey) June 5, 2014

Puerto Rico's New Anti Discrimination Law Is A Transgender Screw Job

Monica Roberts post WTF Just Happened In Puerto Rico With SB 238? piqued my curiosity. Didn't Puerto Rico just pass a anti discrimination bill including public accommodations provisions for transgender people.

Monica wrote:

"Who the hell LGBT activist wise was watching the Puerto Rican legislature and the governor's office to ensure the tougher bill was the one that received Governor Garcia Padilla's signature? Instead of doing the civil rights job right the first time you'll now have to (like Massachusetts is painfully doing right now) go back to the Puerto Rican Legislature and refight the pitched battle you just fought to have those categories the Senate just stripped out added back into the law."

"A human rights law without public accommodations language in it is not only unjust, it's a worthless law."

It was all over the Internet via Gay media and the NGLTF saying they passed a inclusive law. Heck, even Mara Keisling said they did....Or did they?

It was really difficult to find out. The Puerto Rican Legislature website has no direct links to bills and nether does the Puerto Rican governments. So I had to trace the bill through both houses using multiple media reports.

I found out what happened not by what was announced, but what was not talked about. We were quietly thrown under the bus.

Apparently the House bill was stripped of public accommodation provisions in a deal with right wing politicans and fanatical religious zealots to get Bill 488 passed, amending the "Law of Prevention and Intervention in Domestic Violence" providing equal protection to all couples regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

To answer Monica's question, Pedro Julio Serrano a native of Puerto Rico and communications director for the NGLTF was the one we trusted to watch over the bill.

Serrano's May 16th video recorded his reaction when the Puerto Rican Senate on Thursday approved the non-discrimination bill that would ban anti-LGBT discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and government services in the U.S. territory.



But there was little fanfare when the house passed the legislature and subsequently signed by the Governor,  only this announcement and this press release on May 24th making no mention of what was sacrificed:

Statement by Pedro Julio Serrano
Founder, Puerto Rico Para Tod@s
Communications Manager, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"Today is a thrilling day in Puerto Rican history. A decade ago, LGBT Puerto Ricans were criminals under the sodomy law, today we're second-class citizens and when this bill is signed into law, we will be closer to achieving the first-class citizenship that we deserve. Equality is inevitable. Puerto Rico will be for all."

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"We celebrate with the Puerto Rican LGBT community this amazing milestone. The nondiscrimination bill that will become law with the signature of Gov. García Padilla is a testament to the resiliency and steadfastness of the Puerto Rican LGBT community and its allies.

"The Puerto Rican LGBT community has endured an epidemic of anti-LGBT violence that has taken more than 35 lives in the past three years. Nonetheless, this community has continued to stand strong in the face of adversity and today can celebrate this glorious victory. We thank all the activists that have been part of this effort, especially our own Pedro Julio Serrano, who has been a steadfast and uncompromising leader in this struggle."

The question then becomes "who is watching the NGLTF? We did it it in 2010 when the NGLTF and HRC tried to trade a non discrimination bill sans public accommodations for gay marriage in Maryland.

Equality Maryland left that battle with their tail between their legs, their lies exposed, humiliated with members deserting them by the hundreds. They learned the hard way not to fuck openly with the trans community. A lesson evidently not lost to Gay.com this year in Puerto Rico. Do it quietly. Keep it hushed, trans people will wake up under the bus not knowing what hit them.

It's a sad state of affairs when we as poor trans people without the resources that these behemoth gay.coms have must fight, scratch and claw, THEM for our most basic rights.

Like Monica said. What the fuck.

Baltimore County Transsexuals Suffer Jim Crow "Victory"

Jim Crow laws are state and local laws in the United States currently being enacted. They mandat de jure transgender segregation in all public facilities with a supposedly "separate but equal" status for Transgender Americans.




The omission of Public accommodations effectively codifies transgender people as second class citizens and potential sexual predators unworthy of occupying rest rooms with cisgender woman and children.


Click for the PDF of the bill as originally submitted by Tom Quirk.

Click for the PDF of Bill No. 3-12 as adopted by the Baltimore council.

Clearly there was never any intention of extending meaningful rights to transgender people.

The reality is this bill is meant to discriminate against transgender people and in the truest sense, a Jim Crow law.

Least we forget! Maryland has a long and storied history of legislating and up holding judicially Jim Crow Laws!


Tim Walstrum is absolutely correct when he posted that this law was nothing more that a out for politicians. I will argue they did this with full knowledge history will repeat itself in court as transgender people become even more marginalised!

For the sake of passing this bill transgender people can be denied to use facilities that are distinctly private or personal. This will give anyone the option to deny transgender people access to what ever facilities they designate as personal or private. Like bathrooms for Christ sake!

But to smarmy democrats its a 'victory'. Passing this Jim Crow law is immensely easier than enacting real human rights laws, and doing so is usually not a career ender.

To the gay community, this is also a 'victory' the passage being repeatedly heralded as a victory. The real victory for gay people is they finally throw the transgender monkey off there backs.

To the transgender victims of Baltimore county this is a day that will go down in infamy, unless we are joined by gay people who would demand "gay toilets" in protest.

Transgender people may now feel unfettered to work in Baltimore county unless the bathroom issue stops them from securing employment.

God. THAT IS THE ISSUE!!!!! Unbelievable, anything to get rid of us, right gays?

More at Townson Patch

Jenifer Rene Pool Speaks about HRC, ENDA & Public Accommodations Provisions.

Originally, I supported Houston City Council candidate transgender woman Jenifer Rene Pool unquestionably.

She was recommended by a Gay political activist, a dear friend and ally who I trust implicitly whom now lives in Houston. I spent weeks talking to nearly all the political organizations and activists in Houston each and every one gave Jenifer Pool sterling recommendations. I was So impressed with her I wrote a factual news worthy article exposing a conspiracy to deny Pool an endorsement by the Victory Fund and attempts to divide the LGBT vote by Lesbian Council Member Sue Lovell.

I talked to everyone except Transgender and Transsexual people. It quickly became apparent to me I had made a major mistake. Because Jenifer had come so highly recommended by the Gay and Lesbian community I had not consulted a single Trans person. Nada. Zip. Not one.

So I posted The 64 Dollar Transgender Political Question, Will Jenifer Pool Remain Faithful to us? with a similar note on Facebook asking for feedback.

And feedback I got.

I was one of the transgender community who protested HRC after being betrayed in 2007 over ENDA so I am more than empathic with the anti Gay.com sentiments expressed on that note by sister and brother advocates. But I am also more than willing to take undue credit for HRC relenting and adding us to their mission statement. Also coming to light in that note is the angst within the Transgender community regarding the history of transgender identified candidates allowing HRC to co-opt the transgender message and taking credit for work we did to for that candidate.

So there is a hesitancy to endorse a transgender candidates. Because in the past they have more often than not hitched their wagons to HRC's money horse after our initial support eventually pitting the transgender community's health, saftey and political future against HRC's powerful agenda. Such was the case just this year in Maryland. We prevailed in that instance despite HRC's Trans token tom's best efforts.

But we transgender people who protested were not the only ones to bring about change during the ENDA upheaval. Not only was my group The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies added as a supporter of United ENDA so also was the Houston GLBT Caucus and hundreds of other TLBGQIA groups.

But the 64 Dollar Question still remained unanswered so I took a cue from sister blogger Monica Roberts who commented "verify, then trust..."

So I called Jenifer again and asked her to talk about this crucial topic. I explained my personal involvement protesting the HRC post 2015 and asked with baited breath if Jenifer understood the anger of the comments on my Facebook note.

Jenifer Pool replied "No I do not" and my heart stopped. I thought oh good god, not again but Jenifer explained "Of course I attended the 2008 Houston Gala, I was on the HRC diversity steering committee at the time doing my best for an inclusive ENDA. In that capacity I facilitated writing a letter to the national leadership but our influence on the national organization was of course limited." Pool goes on to explain "And at the time I was also president of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus and because of my insistence we joined United ENDA.

Now it was time for the 64 Dollar money question.

I asked Jenifer if she would support a transgender "equality" bill without public provisions accommodations. We as a community need to know if she would support one such as HR235 in which HRC assisted Equality Maryland unsuccessfully tried to force on us earlier this year. Jenifer Pool replied "No I would not. A transgender protection bill without public accommodations provisions is not an equality bill at all."


There you have it. The answer to the 64 Dollar Questions.

Never before to my knowledge has there been a transgender politician so forthcoming and accessible. When I called Rene Pool last afternoon once again she was a delight to speak. Her answers are offered without hesitation and clearly she was speaking from her heart.

Never before has a transgender political candidate held views so in line with our community’s best interests. Never before has a transgender candidate had such an opportunity to gain the highest elected position ever held by one of us.

And as it turns out, I am still unquestionably supportive Jenifer Rene Pool. So much so that she can add the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies to her growing list of endorsers. I am that sure of this.

But this is all just an opportunity. We can make this our reality if you give Jenifer Rene Pool half a chance. Will you give her a chance?


Jenifer Rene Pool for City Council at Large Position 2

Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies Endorses Jenifer Rene Pool

State's Attorney can't Prosecute McDonald Beating as a Trans Hate Crime because of EQMD, NCTE, NGLTF, MD ACLU and HRC

Maryland's AG can't prosecute the McDonald beating as a transgender Hate Crime because of the legislative efforts of EQMD, NCTE, NGLTF, ACLU of MD, and HRC's sponsorship, tacit or direct, of HB 235.

Yeah, everyone's sure at least these groups are anyways, a bill with public accommodations wouldn't have passed. Or maybe it would have. We will never know because these groups didn't want public accommodations included and they refused to listen to us.

Least we forget that all that all these organizations participated in the silencing of the victim of the Maryland Beating, a transgender resident of Maryland! Equality Maryland (EQMD), National Gay Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTC), guilty.

These organizations are now grandstanding trying to milk this tragedy claiming they fought to legislate transgender equality this spring. What they are NOT saying is they used every means at there disposal to deceive, hide, mislead, censor, alienate and finally ignore the Maryland transgender community while pushing a bill on them that they didn't want.

What they are NOT saying is that HB 235 even if passed would have had NO effect on this crime. What they are NOT saying is that these national organizations together conspired to strip public accommodations from the previous years equality bill so as to get a cheap victory at the cost to transgender people.

This cost Ms.Polis very dearly. Its time for the lies to stop. It's time for equality Maryland to lift it's censorship of it facebook page. It's time for gay.com to respect transgender people's wishes.

Maryland Senate: NO Trans-Crow Law! NO Slavery!

The time has come for the Transexual Menace to rise up.

The Maryland Judicial Proceedings Committee is now considering a "transgender anti discrimination" bill stripped of public accommodations provisions. What does that mean to you and I, the average trans person? It means you would be allowed workplace protections but none for public accommodations.

You may soon be existing in a society much the as it was during the Jim Crow era. Transgender people could work at but would be subject to arrest just for being in or using a"Place of public accommodation" which is defined as an inn, hotel, motel, restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain,a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, sports arena, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment.

The majority trans peoples income is lower than 18,000 which indicates most of us work in public service jobs, with public accommodations the only option.

Or fired by your employer for not following the enhanced dress code. Or thrown out of emergency shelters if you demand to be housed with the gender congruent with your expression. HRC is calling on its entire membership to enslave transgender people. HB235 would make you a second class citizen living at the whim of the ruling class.... In other words, a slave.

Regardless of where you live this bill is a threat to you because it is being pushed by HRC.

Every Maryland transgender group opposes this bill, but our voices have been censored so the Senators will never know how much we were against this legislation, unless you act. Equality Maryland as it has all but banned dissension from its Facebook page while simultaneously lording over us their victory in Maryland's House.

The Washington Blade, like most gay publishers deletes most dissenting opinions to its articles pimping Equality Maryland's dis empowerment and assimilation of transgender people.

We must take action now. The Senate hearing could take place as early as Wednesday the 30th.

Please call these Senators and tell them No to Trans-Crow. No to HB235.

Brian E. Frosh, Chair (410) 841-3124, (301) 858-3124
Lisa A. Gladden, Vice-Chair (410) 841-3697, (301) 858-3697

JAMES BROCHIN Democrat, District 42, Baltimore County (410) 841-3648, (301) 858-3648 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3648 (toll free)

JENNIE M. FOREHAND Democrat, District 17, Montgomery County (410) 841-3134, (301) 858-3134 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3134 (toll free)

JOSEPH M. GETTY Republican, District 5, Baltimore County Carroll County (410) 841-3683, (301) 858-3683 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3683 (toll free)

NANCY JACOBS Republican, District 34, Cecil & Harford Counties (410) 841-3158, (301) 858-3158 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3158 (toll free)

VICTOR R. RAMIREZ Democrat, District 47, Prince George's County (410) 841-3745, (301) 858-3745 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3745 (toll free)

JAMIN B. (JAMIE) RASKIN Democrat, District 20, Montgomery County (410) 841-3634, (301) 858-3634 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3634 (toll free)

CHRISTOPHER B. SHANK Republican, District 2, Washington County (410) 841-3903, (301) 858-3903 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3903 (toll free)

NORMAN R. STONE, JR. Democrat, District 6, Baltimore County (410) 841-3587, (301) 858-3587 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3587 (toll free)

ROBERT A. (BOBBY) ZIRKIN Democrat, District 11, Baltimore County (410) 841-3131, (301) 858-3131 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3131 (toll free)

Maryland Postpones New Transgender Driver License Gender Marker Requirement

Equality Maryland has some good news. MVA has postponed a change to it's gender marker requirements for transender people. The previous change would have required that a transgender person produce a birth certificate in order to document the requested gender marker change on his/her driver licence.

That requirement, should I still be living in Maryland, would have denied me the opportunity to live my life in the pursuit of happiness as my birth state of Ohio is one of two states that will not amend or issue a new birth certificate regardless if sexual reassignment surgery had been performed or not.

Thank god for little mercies, but wait! They are not finished yet! They admit that the procedure that has been in place for a decade has been effective but they are still considering making statutory changes.

This leaves the door open so as EQMD states "this is a victory" for now insuring we don't slide backwards but it is only that, only a temporary stay.

Please support Equality Maryland's efforts across the board!

*******************
email from Equality Maryland:

Dear Friends,
As you know, the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) was looking at requiring an amended birth certificate in order for transgender individuals to update the gender marker on their driver's license. It was scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2010. This would have required going through the court system. Additionally, a birth certificate change can only be done if the sex of an individual has been changed by surgical procedure.

After literally hundreds of calls and e-mails into the offices of the Governor and the Attorney General, we just received wonderful news - the proposed policy has been halted.

The Attorney General's office shared the following statement from the MVA:

MVA believes that the current policy on gender designation which has been in practice for almost a decade is secure and the procedures we have adopted ensures reasonable accommodation for individuals who are making a gender transition change. At this time, MVA is not effecting a change to that policy. However, written legal advice received from the Office of Attorney General clearly states that MVA's current policy does not meet all statutory requirements and we are therefore continuing to work with the Office of Attorney General before making a final determination on whether a policy update is appropriate.

The MVA intends to stick with current procedures; however, they continue to assert that the policy may not meet all statutory requirements. Equality Maryland and our partners will work to convene relevant stakeholders to either secure a change in the statutory requirements or assess possible policy revisions. We have already scheduled a strategy meeting in the New Year.
Having a legal identity document that does not match a person's gender exposes them to potential risk not just of embarrassment, but of harassment as well. We are pleased that the MVA was willing to halt the implementation of this dangerous policy change in order to allow for constructive dialogue. There is still work to do, but for now let's take a moment to celebrate.

All the best to you and yours this holiday season,
Morgan Meneses-Sheets
Executive Director
Equality Maryland

Equality Maryland press release: MVA Delays Implementation of Harmful License Policy

P.S. Support our efforts to protect the rights of transgender Marylanders! We are on the front lines with you everyday working to update and enhance the protections that exist for transgender Marylanders and avoid rollbacks like the proposed policy. Help us keep up the fight by visiting Equality Maryland.org today and making a donation!

Dana Beyer Poised to become First Trans Legislator

In a historic announcement Doctor Dana Beyer has put herself in contention for Maryland's 18th District seat.

"Dr. Dana Beyer wants to shake up Maryland’s leadership."

“People should vote for me because they want someone looking out for them, not just taking orders from the antiquated leadership,” she said. “We need a new approach to very serious economic difficulties if we are to reset our economy and move forward, building a better world for all.”

As transgender people we should also recognize and appreciate how successful Dr. Beyers has been in shaping and defining democracy in Montgomery County Maryland and beyond.

"On that note, Dana’s experience in fighting for LGBT equality is extensive. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Human Rights Campaign’s Board of Governors, and Equality Maryland. She also helped found Basic Rights Montgomery, which successfully fought against an attempt to overturn Montgomery County’s transgender anti-discrimination law."

"With her local political, governmental and advocacy experience, Dana has walked the walk. Furthermore, as a physician Dana brings a special skill set, analytical approach and compassion to politics rarely seen."

"When she wins her election, Dana will become the first openly transgender individual to ever win election to any state legislature in the country – an enormous milestone. Help Dana break this barrier and serve the residents of her district by contributing to her campaign today."

Victory Fund

Dr Beyer put a Doctor in the House

Dispute over Crews Inn trans ban heads to mediation

According to a recent Dallas Voice article article the transgressed upon transgender woman who have been protesting discrimination may not get a public apology or an admission of guilt from David Moore, Co-Owner of the Dallas Gay bar "Crews Inn". Protest leader Celeste Williams says it has been ‘worth it’ to stand up to discrimination, but she’s not optimistic that she’ll get the apology she wants."

The general feeling by the protesters is that making people aware that Gay, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender people are not going accept discrimination and will stand together to oppose it is a victory by it's self.

It is also agreed on that the fair and unbiased reporting of the Dallas Voice has contributed to the public understanding that transgender people are normal law abiding citizens.

This belief system is normal for Dallas Texas, but just being explored Gainsville Florida and recently confirmed in Maryland and the state of Colorado.

Maryland Court Overturns Attempt to Roll Back Transgender Protections

The hotly contested transgender equality issue recently came to a head in Maryland. The ruling will become a cornerstone of GLBT unity. All members of our GRAND community selflessly united on behalf of fairness equality and justice!




Montgomery County transgender nondiscrimination law protected from repeal effort
September 09, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT:
Roberta Sklar, Communications Director
(Office) 646.358.1465
(Cell) 917.704.6358
rsklar@thetaskforce.org

We are thrilled to have our work and the work of our partners in Maryland vindicated. We were honored to help the Montgomery County LGBT community build a strong campaign from the ground up and see that building grassroots political power — and winning — is more than possible. We knew that there were not enough valid signatures collected and we are proud to have stood side by side with Equality Maryland, Basic Rights Montgomery, our legal partners and many volunteers to mount this legal challenge to the repeal effort. Had the measure reached the ballot, we are sure the fair-minded voters of Montgomery County would have rejected it as an attack on fundamental rights. We are excited that LGBT people in Maryland can now focus their efforts on passing a statewide ban on anti-transgender discrimination.”

— Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 8, 2008

Victory in Maryland: High Court Rules for Challengers to Illegal Referendum Petition That Attempted to Overturn a Transgender Anti-Discrimination Law


CONTACT:
Dan Furmansky, Executive Director
301-587-7500
Cell: 301-461-4900
Dan@EqualityMaryland.org

http://www.equalitymaryland.org/pr_2008/pr2008.09.08.htm
Dan@EqualityMaryland.org

Annapolis, Md. – In a one paragraph order issued today, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a challenge to a referendum that attempted to block a unanimously enacted transgender protection law.

“We’re pleased with this victory. The court ruled in our favor in our challenge to this improper referendum,” said Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal. “Though the order was brief we feel confident that we’ve stopped this referendum from being on November’s ballot.”

The court indicated that they will be releasing an opinion at a later time.

On November 13, 2007, the Montgomery County Council unanimously passed an act adding gender identity to the county's civil rights law in order to address discrimination against transgender individuals. A group calling itself Citizens for Responsible Government (CRG) sought to collect enough signatures on a referendum petition to block the law from going into effect. Lambda Legal, together with counsel retained by Equality Maryland, represented concerned Montgomery County registered voters who opposed CRG's flawed referendum effort to set back the clock on civil rights in Montgomery County. Lambda Legal and Equality Maryland argued that the number of signatures needed to put the referendum petition on the November general election ballot was insufficient and that the Montgomery County Board of Elections over-counted purported signature entries in violation of detailed statutes that safeguard the referendum process.

"This long overdue, crucial law is all about assuring that unchecked bias is not allowed to inhibit our neighbors' abilities to make a living or rent a home, and as a Montgomery County resident, I breathe a sigh of relief that this campaign to roll back anti-discrimination protections is now over," said Dan Furmansky, Executive Director of Equality Maryland. "While we are confident the voters of Montgomery County would have voted against rolling back this law, , it is far better that our transgender brothers and sisters be spared the rhetoric that the referendum proponents have subjected them to over the past year. Equality Maryland thanks Lambda Legal, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the law firm of Arnold and Porter, and the many volunteers who came together to assure that our laws in Montgomery County are on par with the 100 other jurisdictions nationally that protect residents from discrimination on the basis of gender identity."

Susan Sommer, Senior Counsel, and Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney, are on the case for Lambda Legal. Jonathan Shurberg, lead attorney for Equality Maryland, argued the case. The case is Doe et al. v. Montgomery County Board of Elections.

###

Equality Maryland is Maryland's largest LGBT civil rights organization, focused on making life better for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens of Maryland. Equality Maryland works to secure and protect the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Marylanders by promoting legislative initiatives on the state, county and municipal levels and educating the public about the issues faced by our diverse community.



Washington Post's articleWashington Post's article;

"Jonathan Shurberg attorney for Equality Maryland, which led the challenge of the ballot initiative, said the court's decision ensured the integrity of the referendum process."

"The court gave a ringing endorsement to the principle that ordinary citizens have the right to challenge and test the validity of a petition submitted to referendum," Shurberg said.


Lambda Legal Victory in Maryland "We're pleased with this victory. The court ruled in our favor in our challenge to this improper referendum," said Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal.

Human Rights Campaign's Human Rights Campaign's $20,000 Contribution to Basic Rights Montgomery to perserve the transgender equality law.



HRC’s Recent Transgender-Related Work