A Law that Would Protect LGBTQ Kids in Maryland Advances in Legislation

As many states around the country such as Florida and Texas are passing laws to ban discussions of LGBTQ people in schools, Maryland is taking a different approach. The state is now one step closer to codifying anti-discrimination protections for students in all grades, with the passing of a new House bill.

The House of Delegates passed the House Bill 850,“School, Prekindergarten Programs, and County Boards of Education – Discrimination,” by a significant margin of 96-36 votes on April 11. The bill prohibits any school that receives state founds to refuse enrollment, expel a current student, or withhold privileges or discriminate against any student due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and race, among others.  

Republican Governor Larry Hogan has 30 days to sign or veto the bill, but if no action is taken, then the bill will go into effect starting on July 1. 

Maryland Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins (D), one of the bill’s sponsors, celebrated the bill’s advancement on Twitter.

“After FIVE YEARS of introduction, me & @SenatorMcCray’s prohibition on discrimination in schools has reached final passage! 

“Thank u to the House leadership for making this a priority each year as well as @FreeStateLGBTQ @MSEAeducators @disabrightsMD for their undeterred advocacy!” Wilkins continues. 

Organizations also celebrated the bill passing, including the Organization FreeState Justice, a legal advocacy organization that serves low-income LGBTQ Marylanders. 

“I am glad we have finally secured protections for nearly all students across Maryland,” says Jeremy LaMaster, executive director of FreeState Justice. “There is an important message in this legislation, as well. That taxpayer money should never fund those engaging in discrimination, bias, and hate.” 

According to FreeState Justice, “a majority of Maryland LGBTQ students report feeling unsafe in their schools (65%), regularly hearing anti-LGBTQ comments, and experiencing harassment or assault based on their identity (64%).  Most never report incidents (54%), or do not know how to, and of those that do report, a minority (29%) report any intervention. Only 12.6% of students report knowing of non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies for their school.”

If the bill becomes law, it would cover more than 900,00 students and their families.