City May Add Gender Identity to Nondiscrimination Rules

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A measure that would change the city of Columbia's nondiscrimination rules to make gender identity a protected category will be brought before the Columbia City Council tonight.

The changes to the city's human rights ordinances were suggested by PROMO, a statewide organization that advocates for equal rights for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered. The measure is being introduced in a first reading at tonight's regular council meeting.

If the changes are approved, the city ordinance would define gender identity as an individual's "general-related identity, appearance or mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics" regardless of an …