Q: Can a Maryland business deny you service based on LGBT status? My child (exploring gender) was told they aren't welcome
A:
Not in Maryland they can't. The Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014 prohibits it. If the business is an establishment where the public has access to goods and services (bars, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, retail stores, etc.), it is not allowed to treat a person who identifies themselves based on a sexual orientation any differently than any other patron. The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) was established to ensure that Maryland’s anti-discrimination laws are enforced when it comes to housing, employment, state contracts, and public accommodations. Included in the other protected classes like race, religion, or disability, the MCCR also investigates complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. You may file a complaint here:
https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/Intake.aspx
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
