Governor Moore says he’ll sign
The Trans Health Equity Act has passed in the Maryland Senate and was heading to governor Wes Moore, who has said he will sign the bill. “We should not be asking any Marylander to validate their humanity. We should not be asking any Marylander to try to justify their humanness,” Moore told the LGBTQ+ Caucus on March 21st. The legislation would expand Maryland Medicaid benefits to cover gender-affirming procedures.
“This is monumental progress for such an important bill,” FreesState Justice said in a statement. “We are proud to be part of the coalition of advocates who have worked tirelessly to pass this bill. We celebrate their commitment to our communities and are excited to work with them to push forward even more inclusive legislation.”
The Trans Health Equity Act makes access to gender-affirming care easier, making it more difficult for health programs to deny coverage. “This legislation passing would bring us closer to making this Maryland more inclusive and equitable for all, making lives better for thousands throughout our state,” FreeState said.
“This is a big deal,” said the group’s executive director, Phillip Westry. “As states across the country move in the wrong direction, Maryland is getting it right. The passage of the Trans Health Equity Act was a team effort. I think Trans Right Advocacy Coalition (TRAC) deserves a lot of credit for their organizing on this and other legislation this session. Senator Mary Washington and Delegate Anne Kaiser were clear-eyed in their support, along with Baltimore Safe Haven and Trans Maryland. FreeState Justice is thrilled that we could be a part of this landmark legislation; we cannot wait for trans folks throughout the State to have access to the life-saving care they deserve finally.”
