Maryland Senate OKs Bill Banning Discrimination Based On Natural Hairstyles
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Senate passed a measure on Thursday to ban discrimination based on a person's natural hair or hairstyles.
The Senate voted 46-0 for the bill, which now goes to the House, where a similar measure has been introduced.
The bill expands the definition of race to include hair texture, afro hairstyles and protective hairstyles, which are designed to protect the ends of hair.
It includes a provision to clarify that reasonable standards for safety apply in the workplace.
Montgomery County, Maryland's largest jurisdiction, approved a similar measure earlier this month.
California, New Jersey and New York have passed similar legislation.
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