DOVER, Del. (AP) - A bill aimed at protecting transgender people in Delaware by outlawing discrimination based on gender identity has cleared a House committee.
The committee released the bill following a public hearing on Wednesday. It is scheduled for a House vote Tuesday.
The legislation, approved by the Senate last week, adds gender identity to the existing list of protected nondiscrimination categories, including race, age, religion and sexual orientation.
It also allows for enhanced penalties under Delaware's hate crimes law for targeting someone based on his or her gender identity.
Supporters of the bill say transgender people are not protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation because they can be straight or gay.
Opponents say the bill is not needed and will lead to disturbances by men in girls' restrooms and locker rooms.
