WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) applauds the decision by Maryland's highest court to invalidate the mean-spirited effort to remove a local anti-discrimination law that passed unanimously by Montgomery County Council last year. The failed effort could have repealed the county law protecting people from discrimination based on gender identity depending upon voters' decision. However, the court decided that the anti-transgender measure must be removed from the November ballot because opponents did not collect enough valid signatures to qualify.

NCTE would like to acknowledge the work of the advocates who fought this ballot question, particularly noting excellent work by Basic Rights Montgomery, Equality Maryland, The Task Force, Lambda Legal and the Arnold and Porter law firm which did significant pro bono work on the effort.

According to NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling, "Montgomery County, Maryland was the second loss this year for anti-equality extremists and several more are still on the horizon. Fortunately advocates in Maryland were willing to stand up and fight smartly for what is right."

Concerted anti-equality efforts are also underway to repeal LGBT laws in Gainesville, FL and Hamtramck, MI.