Broward could ban transgender discrimination by year's end
Activists hoping to get protections for transgender people added to Broward's human rights ordinance are optimistic that could happen by year end.
"It will pass unanimously. Broward has always been a beacon," predicted Stratton Pollitzer, South Florida director for the gay rights group Equality Florida. "On this issue, Broward has fallen behind the times."
The politics aren't as problematic as many people believe, he said during an interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board. "The issue is coming. Broward is ready for it."
The measure, sponsored by County Commissioner Ken Keechl, would provide protection in housing and employment to transgender people, and would cover the private sector. It is supported by a range of gay rights and civil rights organizations.
Dean Trantalis, a former Fort Lauderdale city commissioner who helped lead the effort that won protections for gays and lesbians in 1995, said transgender people deserve the same coverage.
"We have a defined prejudice here. Unfortunately, Americans don't seem to be able to grapple with differences," he said.
"It will pass unanimously. Broward has always been a beacon," predicted Stratton Pollitzer, South Florida director for the gay rights group Equality Florida. "On this issue, Broward has fallen behind the times."
The politics aren't as problematic as many people believe, he said during an interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board. "The issue is coming. Broward is ready for it."
The measure, sponsored by County Commissioner Ken Keechl, would provide protection in housing and employment to transgender people, and would cover the private sector. It is supported by a range of gay rights and civil rights organizations.
Dean Trantalis, a former Fort Lauderdale city commissioner who helped lead the effort that won protections for gays and lesbians in 1995, said transgender people deserve the same coverage.
"We have a defined prejudice here. Unfortunately, Americans don't seem to be able to grapple with differences," he said.
