Fifteen states prohibit discrimination against transgender people in the workplace now that Connecticut has added gender identity and expression to its existing anti-discrimination law. Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy signed the legislation (HB-6599 or "An Act Concerning Discrimination") earlier this month, and it becomes effective October 1, 2011.  

The new law defines gender identity and expression as "a person's gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth."  In May, Nevada became the 14th state to prohibit gender identity and expression discrimination in employment. We will continue to monitor these laws and report developments.