Baltimore bill would make it 'unlawful' to purposefully not use someone's preferred pronouns in certain cases

BALTIMORE (TND) — A bill was introduced in the Baltimore City Council this week that would make "the willful use of the incorrect name or pronouns of an individual" unlawful across various sectors, such ashousing, employment, education and public accommodations.

A number of anti-discrimination ordinances were brought forward earlier this week by Baltimore City Council members, namely several about "willfully and repeatedly" using an individual's incorrect name or pronouns "after being clearly informed of the individual's correct name or pronouns, unless otherwise required by law."

The move, introduced by progressive councilmanKristerfer Burnett, would make this act "unlawful" in various circumstances, including in schools and in the workplace. It would also make it unlawful for landlords and real estate agents to use a renter or buyer's incorrect pronouns, as well as the owners of any sort of "public accommodation."

Councilman Zeke Cohen, who is running for city council president in 2024, is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Councilman Burnett's anti-discrimination ordinances sparked an angry reaction from Baltimore residents, who say their public officials aren't taking their concerns about rampant violent crime seriously.

"Crime is the number one issue. Everyone knows it except our office holders," Pastor P.M. Smith told Baltimore'sFox45 News.

"Doesn't mean we can't do more than one thing at a time, but prioritize those things and make sure if we're going to have the conversation about how difficult it is to do certain things like fight crimes, and schools, let’s make sure we're putting that as the top priority all the time. It has to be," Smith added.

This week's push byBurnett, to make the use of someone's incorrect name or pronouns illegal, wouldn't be the first time Baltimore City officials' priorities have been called into question. In March, Baltimore City CouncilmanRyan Dorsey sought to pass a bill banning gas-powered leaf blowers that received backlash.

READ MORE: "'Blowback' on Twitter after Baltimore City councilman proposes leaf blower ban"

"Focus on the big issues of the city," one social media user responded following news of Dorsey's leaf blower ban. "They need your time the most. The kids are literally in crisis. Fire department is poorly paid with lack of maintained infrastructure. Schools lack support. This isn't the win you think it is."

The anger has boiled over at times, leading to confrontations between city council members and the city's residents. Earlier this year, after a shooting that killed one high school aged teen and injured five other individuals, residents confronted Burnett over his alleged misplacement of priorities as a council member.

"When you have innocent people being murdered in midday in your business districts, you have a tremendous problem on your hands," former Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Ed Norris told Fox45 News.