Howard County Council Passes Gender Identity Law

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) -- The Howard County Council has adopted a measure prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

The Council voted in favor of the legislation Monday night. It bars discrimination in housing, law enforcement, employment, public accommodations, financing and health and social services. Howard County is the third jurisdiction in the state to adopt such a bill, along with Montgomery County and Baltimore City.

The bill will be forwarded to County Executive Ken Ulman who is expected to sign it. It would take effect 61 days after the signing.

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