Pinellas Commissioners are moving forward with a change to the Human Rights Ordinance that fails to include both sexual orientation and gender identity.

That means the law will not provide essential protections for the entire LGBT community and sends a particularly dangerous message that protecting the transgender community is not necessary despite the fact that gender based discrimination is often the most prevalent. In fact, most anti-gay discrimination is based on defying gender stereotypes.

Residents, community and faith leaders have been urging the fully inclusive language for over a year. We are deeply disappointed to discover a bad version is moving forward and we are committed to pushing to ensure our community is provided the protections we need.

Mark your calendar. A public hearing is scheduled for April 22nd at 6pm.