Markell speaks out against transgender discrimination

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has taken a stand against recent legislation passed in Mississippi and North Carolina that he said targets transgender and LGBT people.

Monday morning Markell released video in which he says that as somebody who knows many transgender people, and as a governor who understands this issue, he couldn’t see his friends and their communities be subjected to mean spirited and hateful attacks.

Markell said he’s proud that Delaware is one of 18 states, plus the District of Columbia, to pass protections for transgender people in employment, housing and public accommodations.

“I’m still learning and I know many of you are too. This is a big country, with a lot of different kinds of people in it, but as we learn together, we shouldn’t let our fears or misconceptions lead us to targeting an already vulnerable group of people,” Markell said.

Both Mississippi’s and North Carolina’s governors have gone on record saying this legislation was passed in the name of religious liberty.