An Act concerning Discrimination: Action Needed Now

(4 pm. – promoted by ek hornbeck)

Tomorrow, the Connecticut Judiciary Committee will vote on HB 6599:  An Act Concerning Discrimination.  The act adds the words “gender identity or expression” to this list of traits which cannot be the legal basis of discrimination:  race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, mental retardation, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness.  “Gender identity or expression” would come right after “sex”.

If you live in Connecticut and have a legislator on the Judiciary Committee, now is the time to call.

House Democrats 1-800-842-8267

House Republicans 1-800-842-8270

Senate Democrats 1-800-842-1420

Senate Republicans 1-800-842-1421

I understand that home phone numbers for legislators are listed in the 2011 Legislative Guide (pdf).

Sample Script:

Hi, Representative Jones, my name is Terry Smith. I am your constituent. I live in Wallingford over on Elm Street. I am calling to urge you to vote in favor of HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination, as written. Please attend the Judiciary Committee meeting this Wednesday (3/30) so that you can vote for this important bill, which would add gender identity and gender expression to CT non-discrimination law. This is an issue of fairness and equality for all CT residents. Will you attend the committee meeting this Wednesday and vote for HB 6599 as written?

Thus Act was first proposed 5 years ago and has in the past passed both the Judiciary Committee and the Senate, but died in the state House of Representatives.

A week ago yesterday there were 11 hours of testimony before the committee (written statements available at the length), with only two people speaking against the act:  Peter Wolfgang, president of Family Institute of Connecticut and William C. O’Brien, president of Connecticut Right to Life.  Wolfgang testified

that bill was a “radical assault” on privacy that would allow “men” to don a dress with the purpose to prey on women and children in restrooms.

The Chair Gary Holder-Winfield (D-New Haven) demanded proof that this had any likelihood of occurring and discovered that Wolfgang could produce no evidence.

O’Brien (who apparently understands, unlike even some of our supporters that transsexuality is a freedom of choice issue…else why would someone from Right to Life be there) referred to the bill ad the “gender bender bathroom bill”.

Fear.  Unreasonable fear.  That’s all they had.

Don’t let them succeed.

Contact your representatives today!

Future news will be available at ctEquality.