Thomas Hammarberg Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights: Trans discrimination must no longer be tolerated

pinknews.co.uk: Thomas Hammarberg is the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights released this comment on trans rights on his website yesterday.

“Discrimination against transgender persons must no longer be tolerated”

"My discussions with non-governmental organisations defending the rights of transgender persons indicate that a number of such hate crimes go unreported – even in serious cases. One of the reasons appears to be a lack of trust in the police."

"I have been struck by the lack of knowledge about the human rights issues at stake for transgender persons, even among political decision-makers. This is probably the reason why more has not been done to address transphobia and discrimination based on gender identity. The result is that individuals are discriminated against all over Europe, in areas such as as employment, health care and housing."

Connecticut To Consider Transgender Anti-Discrimination Proposal

Hartford Courant, CT, USA Connecticut To Consider Transgender Anti-Discrimination

Transgender activists believe this is the year they will gain equal protection under the state's anti-discrimination laws.

"We feel good," said Jerimarie Liesegang, who leads the Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition. "We've done the groundwork, we've done the education and we know we have the votes."

A proposal, to be introduced in the legislative session that begins Wednesday, would prevent people who in any way blur gender lines from being discriminated against in the workplace or while seeking housing or obtaining credit. More than a dozen states, including California, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and Rhode Island, have enacted similar laws.