A bill that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity is headed to a final vote in the Maryland House of Delegates.
The House moved Senate Bill 212 forward on Wednesday after about 20 minutes of debate. A final vote is expected as early as Thursday. The bill prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in public accommodations, labor and employment and housing.
The Senate voted 32-15 on March 4 to pass its version of the bill. On Tuesday, the House Health and Government Operations Committee voted 14-8 to send the bill to the House floor.
In the House committee, Anne Arundel County Dels. Nic Kipke, R-Pasadena, and Robert Costa, R-Deale, voted against the measure. But a majority supported the bill, including Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk, D-College Park.
In 2013, a similar bill received an unfavorable report from the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Similar bills have been considered in General Assembly sessions dating to 2007, but have never gotten as far as Senate Bill 212.
Supporters of the legislation have said it is critical the bill pass this year. They argue people should not have to worry about losing a job or obtaining housing because of their gender identity.
Opponents argue the law is so loosely written that it will permit men to legally enter girls' and women's rest rooms and other private spaces they are not currently allowed to.
