State LGBT Watch: Trans Protections Advance in Maryland and Hawaii

Despite setbacks last week, proponents of LGBT equality are again seeing momentum for trans protections in Maryland and Hawaii and have hopeful eyes on Rhode Island and Delaware to advance equality for same-sex couples.

- CALIFORNIA: Today a bill advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee that would ensure that California textbooks include the contributions of LGBT Americans.

- COLORADO: Denver’s archbishop celebrated the defeat of civil unions there last week by claiming its proponents are the real bigots.

- DELAWARE: As a civil unions bill awaits action in both chambers, opponents of the bill are gathering today to “defend marriage.”

- HAWAII: A transgender non-discrimination bill passed out of Hawaii’s Senate Judiciary Committee this week, and despite a similar bill’s failure six years ago, advocates are optimistic it will become law this time. The bill’s hearing is Thursday at 3:30 EST.

- MARYLAND: The transgender non-discrimination bill thought to be “dead by committee” has cleared the Rules Committee, allowing it to advance.

- RHODE ISLAND: Marriage equality proponents mostly ignored a reciprocal benefits bill introduced yesterday. The full equality bills remain stalled in committee, but may soon come to a vote.

- TENNESSEE: Nashville voted yesterday to end LGBT discrimination in all city contracts, joining over 100 cities with similar measures.

- TEXAS: Consideration has begun on bills that would decriminalize homosexuality and amend the Healthy and Safety Code to no longer call homosexuality a “lifestyle.”

- WASHINGTON: Governor Chris Gregoire (D) today signed a new law that would allow out-of-state same-sex marriages to be recognized in Washington.

Keep track of how LGBT issues are advancing in the states at our State LGBT Watch.