EDGE New England

Puerto Rico’s governor has signed a bill that prohibits employment discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.

The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Tuesday heard testimony on SB449 - a bill to prohibit discrimination against transgender and gender-nonconforming people in Maryland.

While on Orange County School voted to include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policy, the Lake County School Board faces criticism for preventing students from starting a GSA.

LGBT allies in the Maryland General Assembly introduced a bill Tuesday that would extend nondiscrimination protections to transgender individuals in the Free State.

The Bethlehem City Council on June 21 adopted a measure that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. It is the 21st Pennsylvania municipality to adopt an anti-LGBT discrimination measure.

Transgender rights activists remain optimistic that Massachusetts will soon join neighboring Connecticut and other states with gender identity and expression in their non-discrimination measures.

Zions Bancorp’s board is pledging to prohibit discrimination based on someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

When it comes to negotiating a lease or paying fair rent, gay and transgender renters may soon get more protection. Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said it’s fast-tracking a nationwide study to determine the extent of housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It’s also proposing regulations to insure these individuals won’t be denied public housing or government housing vouchers because of their identities. Read more...

Austin, Texas now requires contractors working for the city to provide proof that their companies include gays and lesbians in their non-discrimination policies.