LGBTQ Bill Of Rights Being Considered In Montgomery County

ROCKVILLE, MD — A bill that would strengthen legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community is being considered in the Montgomery County Council.

Introduced by Councilmember Evan Glass, the LGBTQ Bill of Rights aims to expand the county's anti-discrimination law to include gender expression and HIV status, as well as ban LGBTQ+ discrimination in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and personal care facilities.

"During Pride Month, I had the opportunity to speak with residents who continue to face discrimination, despite existing protections and those recently afforded by the Supreme Court," Glass, the county's first openly gay council member, said. "We know bigotry and hate still exists, particularly in areas of our healthcare system, and this legislation will ensure that LGBTQ+ seniors can age with dignity and respect."

The legislation is co-sponsored by all members of the County Council and, if enacted, will be the first law of its kind in Maryland.

According to officials, the county's senior population is projected to constitute 21 percent of residents by 2040; and by then, half of all people living with HIV will be over the age of 50.

"Access to safe long-term care is of dire concern for the LGBTQ community," said Nancy Carr, associate state director for communications at AARP Maryland. "A 2018 AARP study found that many LGBTQ seniors are vulnerable and isolated because they are less likely to have adult children to look out for them. They are also more likely to have lost a significant part of their social network during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Discrimination at the hands of providers, threatens the very health, financial security, and personal fulfillment of too many 50-plus LGBTQ adults. We are glad to see Montgomery County take the lead on this issue and we hope it propels further action at the state level."

Click here to learn more about the LGBTQ Bill of Rights.