Timing of transgender protection effort divides gay leaders in Broward

Sun-Sentinel.com – By Anthony Man – Political Writer

Gays and lesbians in Broward County united last month over Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle’s anti-gay comments, but they are not nearly so united in how to protect the rights of transgender people.

An array of gay and lesbian leaders want the County Commission to add transgender protection to the Broward ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, even if that runs the risk of energizing opponents.

Others say that’s not smart politics. They’re attempting to slow action on transgender rights to avoid what they fear could be a backlash against the entire antidiscrimination law.