Issue Position: Fighting for Equal Rights for All Marylanders

Issue Position

Along with others who worked hard for marriage equality, Brooke celebrates the passage of Question 6, but also understands that our nation's ongoing struggle towards full equality for all is still a work in progress. Brooke volunteered her own time to help ensure passage of marriage equality and will continue to be an active ally and passionate supporter of full inclusion for the LGBT community. She will be a strong voice in the General Assembly on all aspects of civil rights for all who live in Maryland.

In particular, Brooke understands that transgender individuals face some of the highest rates of joblessness and homelessness in the country, and yet Maryland law does not explicitly protect transgender individuals from discrimination in the workplace, housing, or public accommodations. Unfortunately, legislation that would add "gender identity" to Maryland's nondiscrimination laws (most recently, "The Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2013") has not successfully made it through the General Assembly for the past few years. Brooke will fight to ensure such legislation is presented and passed in the next session.

Brooke will be a strong supporter of all civil rights issues in the General Assembly. She knows that these issues are not just about fairness - equality and inclusion are also good for the economy: studies have shown that cities and regions that are more LGBT friendly tend to have more vibrant economies. Maryland can solidify its place as a world class place to do business by ensuring we have the most inclusive set of civil rights policies possible.

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