Governor O’Malley Supports Marriage Equality

Last year O’Malley supported a similar same sex marriage bill, which did not pass.  This year he presents a similar bill that expands more on the religious freedom aspect.  The bill was sent to the Maryland General Assembly on January 23rd. Many are saying that the bill is likely to go to referendum, meaning that Maryland citizens will vote for the bill on the November 2012 ballot. The largest population who oppose the bill are conservative African American, Islamic, Jewish, and Roman Catholic churches.  Even so, Reverend Starlene Joyner Burns spoke in favor of the bill and says she hopes that “every adult will be able to get a marriage license and they can marry the person they love” (qtd. from abc video). This bill attempts to obtain marriage equality, while also allowing religious freedom throughout the state of Maryland.  He says in a statement that places of worship that decide not to perform same sex marriages will not be punished.

Listen to Governor O’Malley speak more about the bill in this video:

A Message From Starbucks

Starbucks recently expressed support for Washington State’s marriage equality bill by issuing a message that speaks to the vitality of inclusive legislation, business attitudes, and employment opportunities. The decision made by Starbucks, one of the highest-grossing and most recognizable multinational corporations, to publicly support the bill has praiseworthy roots: the business’s early days were in Seattle, Washington, and it has retained strong ties with the region.

So by declaring its approval of Washington’s progress toward becoming a more inclusive state, Starbucks has shown the state’s LGBT community that they have an ally in the business sector. It bridged the gap between assumed support and assured support by explicitly reaffirming its LGBT-inclusive philosophy. Although the statement only comprises a few paragraphs, it is a sign that businesses have the ability – and the responsibility, even – to vocally support their customers, employees, and fellow citizens. Whether through letters, flags, or stickers, a visible message of inclusiveness is a commendable way to display your status as an ally.

Here is the message from Starbucks:

To: U.S. partners
Date: January 24, 2012
Re: A Message from Kalen Holmes: Starbucks Supports Marriage Equality

Dear partners,

Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion.

This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees in the U.S., helping to raise awareness about issues in the communities where we live and work.

For the last 20 years, our benefits program has offered domestic partner benefits in the U.S. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs and alternative health care coverage. All partners (part-time and full-time) in all work locations, whether in a store, a roasting plant or a corporate office, adhere to the same eligibility requirements for health coverage and have access to the same comprehensive health plans.

We are deeply dedicated to embracing diversity and treating one another with respect and dignity, and remain committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and safe work environment for all of our partners.

We look forward to seeing this legislation enacted into law.

Regards,

Kalen Holmes
executive vice president, Partner Resources

Signs of Change in Utah

Currently Salt Lake City and 11 localities in Utah have adopted policies that prevent discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity in matters of employment. Senator Ben McAdams (D- Salt Lake City) has introduced a bill in the state legislature that would make discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the realm of employment or housing illegal. Passage of the bill would create a state law preventing this discrimination, reinforcing and expanding the work accomplished at the local level in Utah.

What makes this anti-discrimination bill even more remarkable is the vocal support from the large business community in Utah. Tim Sullivan, the president and CEO of Ancestry.com, has said that Utah will be better able to attract employees if it solidifies its image as a state with inclusive business practices. Both eBay and 1-800 Contacts representatives have also expressed support for the bill based on its potential economic impact. By assuring LGBT employees and job candidates that Utah’s business environment operates by a standard of respect and inclusion of all people, the state will attract them and benefit from their human capital.

Although Bmoreinclusive regards smaller businesses are the engines of positive change in communities, many larger companies and corporations exemplify inclusive business practices. According to the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index of 2012, 86% of Fortune 500 companies protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, while 50% protect against discrimination based on gender identity – up from just 3% in 2002. Regardless of whether support originates with small businesses or multinational corporations, the progressive rise of inclusion of LGBT workers in businesses constitutes a trend toward a more inclusive national economy and national character.

Baltimore County On The Agenda

Map of Maryland Counties

Following Howard County’s decision in December to enact legal protection against discrimination based on gender identity or expression in employment practices, Baltimore County will attempt to do the same. Baltimore County Bill 3-12 prohibits this brand of discrimination in housing, education, and public accommodations, although it will allow employers to have some input on policies for public restrooms. This caveat maintains a degree of respect for business autonomy while communicating a new standard of inclusion in the Baltimore County community. As a sign of a progressive ripple effect, the bill’s passage would mean that only one county in Maryland – Prince George’s – would lack legislation that combats discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The National Conference on LGBT Equality

This conference, run by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, is being held in Baltimore City at the Hilton Hotel.  The conference is from January 25th-29th.  Sign up here to volunteer at the conference!

“Howard County Council Weighs Gender-ID Bill”

On November 21st, Howard County Council advocated for CB-54, a bill to “include gender identity and expression as a classification protected against certain types of unlawful, discriminatory practices.”  This bill would be effective in the housing, employment, health, and social service sectors, with plans to go statewide in 2012.  According to Sharon Brackett, a member of Gender Rights Maryland Board, it seems unlikely that this bill will not pass.  The assembly had many compelling testimony from members of Parents, Friends, and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), National Center for Lesbian Rights, and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.  The members of the Howard Council whom opposed the bill were asked to provide statistical data and could not.  This gave many Howard County natives such as Caroline Temmermand, a transwoman, hope for Howard County and Maryland policy towards gender identity discrimination.  She posted on Facebook after the Council meeting “If you were there tonight you know that your presence matter.”

This bill was passed on December 5th, 2011 with a 4-1 decision.  The last time changes were made to this bill was in 1992.  Currently the bill protects “race, creed, religion, handicap, color, sex, national orgin, age, occupation, marital status, political opinion, sexual orientation, personal appearance, familial status and source of income.”  According to the Human Rights Campaign, it is legal in 34 states to fire someone if they are transgender.  Hopefully, this historic step forward for LGBT rights will become an example to the rest of the state.  Councilmember Calvin Ball said after the passing of the bill that “we have a duty to protect out citizens against discrimination and give them a voice and I’m confident that Council Bill 54 is a positive step in preventing future incidents of discrimination based upon gender identity.”