Janani - “trans/national”

thepoliticalfreakshow:

Gov. Jack Markell is expected to sign measure into law

DOVER, Del.—The Delaware House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bill that would add gender identity and expression to the state’s anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws.

The 24-17 vote came less than a week after Senate Bill 97 passed out of the House Administration Committee. The Delaware Senate earlier this month approved the measure.

“This bill to me is about fairness and equality,” state Rep. Stephanie Bolden (D-Wilmington) said.

House Minority Leader Daniel Short (R-Seaford) called Delaware Family Policy Council President Nicole Theis to speak against SB 97 during the debate that lasted more than two hours.

“The bottom line is a concern about my rights,” Theis said. “I don’t want to go into a locker room with my small children without rights.”

State Rep. Mike Ramone (R-Middle Run Valley) challenged Theis over her reference to locker rooms and bathrooms during her testimony against the measure.

“Transgenders, naturally, just want to be accepted,” Ramone said.

State Rep. Bryon Short (D-Claymont,) who sponsored SB 97 in the House, introduced an amendment that lawmakers approved before the vote that clarifies the definition of gender identity and ensures a person cannot claim a gender identity that is not their own to access a locker room or other sex-segregated facility.

The Delaware Senate will need to approve the amended bill before Gov. Jack Markell signs it into law.