In a YouTube video posted on Friday,
Delaware Governor Jack Markell, a Democrat, expressed his support for
transgender rights.
Markell, the only sitting governor to
have signed a transgender-inclusive protections bill, criticized
bills introduced in more than a dozen states that target the
transgender community.
Supporters of such bills argue that
they are needed to protect women and children from men pretending to
be transgender to gain entry into womens' bathrooms and locker rooms.
Markell denied that such incidents have
occurred in Delaware.
“Delaware is one of 18 states, plus
Washington D.C., to have passed protections for transgender people in
employment, housing and public accommodations,” Markell
said. “I was proud to sign that bill into law three years ago.
As a governor of a state that allows transgender people to fully
participate in society, including by using facilities in accordance
with their gender identities, I know that we have not had any
problems.”
“The only outcome has been that
transgender people know that Delaware is a safe and welcoming place,”
he added.