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ANNAPOLIS - State and national Catholics for Equality leaders testified today before the Maryland House Health Government Operations Committee, urging state legislators to pass House Bill 235, the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act. This bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, and credit purposes. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the right to housing and employment for all people.

"Workplace and housing discrimination against transgender people is wide-spread in our state," testified State Chair Manley Calhoun. "State reports show that in Maryland 1 in 5 transgender people have lost their job because they are transgender. 12% have become homeless. These are the least of our brethren and as Catholics we are called to help them."

Polls for ending workplace and housing discrimination show widespread support. A 2008 Gallup poll showed that 89% of the country believes LGBT Americans should have equal rights in terms of job opportunities.


"For American Catholics, ending discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression is a Catholic issue," testified National Executive Director Phil Attey. "As American Catholics, we believe that it is an injustice that in thirty eight states in our country, including Maryland, transgender citizens can be legally fired from their jobs or kicked out of their homes simply because of who they are."

Maryland Catholics for Equality will be working to empower and mobilize the majority of pro-equality Catholics throughout our state to lift our voices in Annapolis.

"Catholic Marylanders have been at the forefront of living the vision of social justice and inclusion, testified National Foundation Director Rev. Joseph Palacios. "Catholic social teaching emphasizes the dignity of the human person and the right to housing and employment. All people should be allowed to fulfill their lives in the image and likeness of God."

 

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