Lawrence group against gender identity policy

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- The Lawrence Human Relations Commission has voted not to recommend adding gender identity to the city's anti-discrimination policy.

The commission voted Thursday 6-3 against amending the policy. The Kansas Equality Coaltion had sought to have gender identity added to the policy.

The Human Relations Commission's decision will be forwarded to the Lawrence City Commission, which will make the final decision.

The proposed change would have protected from discrimination people who identify or express themselves as a gender other than the one assigned at birth.

Opponents who spoke at Thursday's meeting mentioned expense of changing the policy, ambiguity about the definition of gender identity, and concerns about how the policy would affect public facilities such as restrooms.

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Information from: Lawrence Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com