Cleveland considers change to gender-identity ordinance

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Jacob Nash remembers being forced to use the women’s room at City Hall in 2009 when he was part of a coalition of LGBT groups working with city council on passing anti-discrimination laws.

The resulting ordinance outlawed housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but a last-minute provision was added that said businesses could exclude transgender people from using the bathroom or locker room they feel is appropriate.

The provision has remained a sore point for those who believe that part of the law is insensitive and discriminatory, and now a city council committee is scheduled Wednesday to consider legislation that changes it.

The proposed change would exempt only businesses with fewer than four employees, religious institutions and private social or fraternal organizations.