Delaware Enacts Gender Identity Nondiscrimination Law

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has signed the Gender Identity Nondiscrimination Act, making Delaware the 17th state to enact law prohibiting gender identity discrimination. The Act adds gender identity to the list of protected classes under Delaware law prohibiting discrimination and hate crimes. Effective immediately, the law (S.B. 97) bans discrimination on the basis of gender identity in employment, places of public accommodation, housing and public works contracting. The law also provides for increased penalties under the hates crimes law against a person who intentionally selects the victim of a crime because of the victim’s gender identity.