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 Makes an Emotional Appeal Backing Non-Discrimination Against Same-Sex Relationships |
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Compiled By GayToday
"The leadership of Gov. Glendening in advocating for fairness and combating discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans was key in passing this historic legislation," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch, a Maryland resident. "We strongly urge the state Senate to follow the courageous lead of the House and vote for dignity, fairness and respect for all Maryland residents and to become the eleventh state to prohibit discrimination. HRC continues to work with our partners in Maryland to pass this important bill in the Senate."
"He was in great pain. You could not touch his skin without causing great pain," said Gov. Glendening. "As difficult as that was, he told me it was more difficult to live 19 years of his life knowing that if anyone was aware of his sexual orientation, he would lose the job he loved so much." The support of conservative Speaker of the House Casper Taylor, D-Allegany, was key in helping move this bill through the House, despite opposition from the chamber of commerce. It had failed to win the assembly's support for the past six years. If the anti-discrimination legislation becomes law, the Maryland Commission on Human Relations will be able to investigate complaints about housing, employment, and public discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Nichols noted that repressive sexual rules, thanks to the state's high courts, have improved the status of same sex affection in Maryland. "Almost every picket sign used in the first gay/lesbian movement demonstration in 1965 at the White House was lettered in Silver Spring, Maryland," he recalled, citing early American gay movement history. "In a brick house on Dennis Avenue, in fact," he added. The fight to pass a nondiscrimination law in Maryland is being led by the Free State Justice Campaign and its Executive Director Liz Seaton. HRC has assisted through its $5,000 grant, mailings to HRC's action network in Maryland, E-mail information alerts and the printing of thousands of action materials for Maryland residents to send to their state representatives in support of passing this legislation. "The tireless efforts and relentless determination of the Free State Justice Campaign's Liz Seaton was instrumental in passing this legislation in the House," said HRC National Field Director Donna Red Wing. "We look forward to continuing our efforts in mobilizing HRC members in Maryland to help in the struggle to bring justice and equality to all citizens living in the state." The Maryland counties of Prince George's, Howard, and Montgomery, already have nondiscrimination ordinances, as does the city of Baltimore. Together, these areas house nearly half of all Maryland residents. If Maryland passes a law prohibiting discrimination, it would join Hawaii, California, Vermont, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. community. |
