Ft. Wayne to look at transgender rights

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - Transgender residents in Fort Wayne could get new protections under a proposed amendment to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance.

Democratic city council member Karen Goldner is expected to introduce an amendment in the coming week aimed at preventing or punishing discrimination based on "gender identity."

Goldner said transgendered people and others with unconventional sexual identities are often victims of hate crimes.

"It can be very dangerous, you don't always see them around because they're hiding," she said.

The council passed an ordinance in 2001 outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation that, like gender identity, carries no legal sanctions. The bill was sponsored by Mayor Tom Henry, a councilman at the time.

Goldner said she's optimistic Henry will sign the amendment if the council approves it.

However, because gender identity discrimination isn't covered under federal guidelines, the city's anti-discrimination agency could not punish that type of violation even if the council passes the proposed changes.

"But it would make a statement," Goldner said.

She said the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission could still investigate and attempt to mediate disputes involving alleged gender identity discrimination.

Goldner said the gender identity amendment is intended to protect men and women who do not fit conventionally masculine or feminine expectations of appearance.

Goldner said her proposals have considerable community support and she is optimistic of their passage.

Liz Brown and Tom Smith aren't so sure.

Brown said she will vote against the proposal because genetic discrimination is already covered by federal law, and the provision against gender-identity discrimination couldn't be enforced. She also doubts that such discrimination is a major problem in Fort Wayne.

"I won't vote for anything that's unenforceable," Smith said. "This is quintessential feel-good legislation."