Delaware’s gender identity non-discrimination bill clears another hurtle

A bill adding gender-identity to Delaware’s non-discrimination laws has cleared another hurtle.

The House Administration Committee passed Senate Bill 97 sending it now to the House floor for a final vote.

The bill would add gender identity to the state’s non-discrimination laws relating to employment, housing, insurance and public accommodations.

Opponents have called it the “bathroom bill,” arguing that it allows sexual predators to legally access public facilities such as restrooms or locker rooms to prey on women and children.

According to Delaware Equality President Lisa Goodman, in the state of Delaware, there are no known cases of anyone posing as transgender and carrying out those types of acts.  

“In fact, we are unaware of a single issue nationwide where a law like this was specifically used for predation,” said Goodman. “It’s a ridiculous suggestion.”

Patricia Dailey with the Delaware Attorney General’s office added that there is currently no law preventing the opposite sex from using a public facility. She said an individual could not be charged for the sole reason of using a bathroom.

“Transgender today use bathrooms and locker rooms and other facilities according to their gender identity,” added Goodman. “The only thing this bill would do is prevent them from being fired and prevent them from denied housing.”