City to consider transgender protection

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - Fort Wayne is preparing for a debate over whether the city should add protections for transgender people to its anti-discrimination ordinance.

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

She said transgendered people and those with unconventional sexual identities are often victims of hate crimes.

The council passed an ordinance in 2001 barring discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Bloomington's city council in 2006 unanimously approved a measure adding protections for transgender people to the city's human rights ordinance. The Indianapolis City-County Council also has approved similar protections.

Information from: The News-Sentinel, http://www.news-sentinel.com