FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 9, 2008

NCLR Applauds Court Rejection of Harmful Initiative

Transgender Anti-Discrimination Law in Montgomery County, MD Safe from Repeal Effort

(San Francisco, CA, September 9, 2008)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) released a statement applauding the decision by Maryland's highest court rejecting an effort to eliminate a local anti-discrimination law that passed unanimously by Montgomery County Council last year. The failed effort would have repealed the county law protecting people from discrimination based on gender identity.

“We are relieved that this measure which could have reaped untold harm on transgender citizens in Maryland has failed to qualify for the ballot," said Kate Kendell, NCLR Executive Director. “This victory for the most fundamental justice is another sign that voters are fed up with politics of division and with mean-spirited, degrading policies which cause harm.”

NCLR acknowledges Basic Rights Montgomery, Equality Maryland, The Task Force, Lambda Legal, and the Arnold and Porter law firm for their advocacy and outstanding work.