HB1397 expands the state's nondiscrimination laws by adding "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the list of protected characteristics, prohibiting discrimination based on these identities in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. This change reinforces Maryland's commitment to "equality" and "inclusivity".
The Maryland State House of Representatives passed HB1397 on April 8, 2024 by a vote of 122 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill imposes government mandates that violate individual and religious freedoms, forcing businesses and individuals to conform to state-imposed woke policies. By expanding nondiscrimination laws to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity," HB1397 compels speech and behavior that conflict with religious and moral beliefs, infringing on First Amendment-protected rights. Such laws have been used to punish business owners who refuse to act against their faith, undermining constitutional protections of religious freedom. This bill expands significant government overreach, interfering with private decision-making and the rights of individuals to operate according to their conscience.
