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Tampa extends rights to transgender individuals

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2009

TAMPA - Transgender individuals are now protected under the city's anti-discrimination laws.

The city council today approved an ordinance extending laws prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation, sex, race and religion to include "gender identity or expression."

Tampa's Human Rights Board, which has been discussing the issue for the past year, requested the changes. Mayor Pam Iorio has pledged her support for the changes.

At least 13 states across the country and 16 municipalities in Florida, as well as some Fortune 500 companies, have extended such protections to transsexuals, transvestites and any others with a gender identity that differs from their sex at birth.

President Barack Obama's administration is drafting proposed federal guidelines that would prohibit workplace discrimination against transgender federal employees.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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