Tampa council approves transgender protection

Brushing aside a chorus of opposition from evangelical groups, the city council today voted to expand anti-discrimination laws to include transgender individuals.

The measure, which amends laws prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation, sex, race and religion to include "gender identity or expression" as a protected class, was approved 5 to 1.

Councilman Charlie Miranda voted no. Councilwoman Linda Saul Sena, who previously voted for the changes, was out of the country.

The vote followed testimony from more than 60 people on either side of the controversial issue, who packed council chambers to voice their support or opposition to the measure.

Members of several Christian evangelical groups and other opponents called the move an assault on their religious values they fear will sanction sexually deviant behavior.

"I'm a devout Christian," said Clarence Nather, of Tampa. "And this is morally wrong."

David Caton, executive director of the Florida Family Association, told council members the city hadn't proven that transgender individuals were being discriminated against.

"I've yet to see any complaints filed," he said. "This is all about politics."

Supporters of extending the city's human rights protections disagreed with that position. They told the council that transgender individuals face discrimination on a daily basis.

"I have had employers tell me that they wouldn't hire me, specifically because I'm a transgender individual," said Tobias Packer, a member of Equality Florida.

Terry Kemple, president of the Community Issues Council, argued the protections would allow "sexual predators" to go into restrooms for the opposite sex and force business owners and landlords, regardless of their religious beliefs, to accept cross-dressers.

A preliminary vote on the changes passed unanimously at a Nov. 5 city council meeting with little discussion from council members and nobody speaking against the measure.

The city'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 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.

Philip Dinkins, chairman of the Human Rights Board, praised the council's decision.

"Change is never easy," he said. "But the bottom line is that this is right thing to do."