Say goodbye to segregation and say hello to gender neutral bathrooms. 

On Thursday, Maryland became the 18th state to grant transgender individuals equal rights under the law. ( Here’s  our story on a similar law’s passage in Maine)

The Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014 has made it illegal to discriminate based on gender identity in regards to employment, housing, and public accommodations. 

The bill, nicknamed the “Bathroom Bill,” by opponents has raised some interesting questions.

It is common knowledge that transgender individuals often suffer violence and ridicule particularly in public places such as the bathroom. Delegate Heather Mizeur claims that the bill will address

“people who are suffering real harm in this state.” 

The opposition fears that the safety of women and children will be threatened. One lawmaker went as far as to state that the bill will allow

“predatory men to put on a dress to get what they want.” 

Is this societal stigma or is the safety of women and children a legitimate concern?