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Bill To Stop Transgender Discrimination Progresses

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A measure to prevent discrimination against people who are transgender has moved forward in the Maryland House of Delegates.

The bill received preliminary approval Wednesday.

Opponents say it would enable sexual predators to more easily enter female restrooms. But supporters say that's not true.

They say gender identity can be demonstrated as "consistent and uniform assertion of the person's gender identity or any other evidence that the gender identity is sincerely held as part of the person's core identity."

Del. Kathy Szeliga, R-Baltimore County, offered an amendment to strike public accommodations from the bill. But supporters say the change would gut the bill, because public accommodations include many public places.

Szeliga withdrew the amendment, saying she would bring it back with changes before lawmakers vote on the bill.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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