Five years after it was first proposed, a bill prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression is once again the subject of a legislative hearing.
The measure would add gender identity and expression to the state's ant-bias statute, which already makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, marital status, religion and a host of other categories.
The proposed change would prevent people who identify with a gender different from their biological sex as well as people blur gender lines from being discriminated against in the workplace or while seeking housing or obtaining credit. It is being supported by a broad coalition of groups, including the Connecticut chapters of the Anti-Defamation League, the American Civil Liberties Union and several gay rights and women's groups.
The Family Institute of Connecticut is vowing to fight the proposal, which it says is part of a "campaign to force children in our public schools to be exposed to 'alternative lifestyles' even if their parents disapprove." The organization also says sex offenders might try and use the anti-discrminiation law to gain access to women's public restrooms.
At least 13 states have passed similar laws, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts.