Today, the Dallas City Council unanimously approved language strengthening the city’s ordinance for transgender residents and visitors. While transgender people were already protected in the city’s ordinance under a broad definition of sexual orientation that included an “individual’s real or perceived gender identity,” today’s vote in favor of equality appropriately separates the definition of gender identity from sexual orientation and reaffirms the protections.
“Today, the Dallas City Council took action to strengthen protections for transgender Americans and reaffirm their commitment to equality and justice for every person,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “In the wake of a vicious campaign in Houston that attacked transgender people and led to the repeal of common sense protections, Dallas today sent a vital message that they will fight to protect and advance the rights of transgender people.”
