§ 29-1-101. DEFINITIONS.

(a)

In general. In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

Commission. "Commission" means the Human Relations Commission established under Article 3, Title 3 of the Code.

(c)

Complainant. "Complainant" means a person who files a complaint under this article.

(d)

Discrimination. "Discrimination" means acting or failing to act or unduly delaying an action regarding a person because of the person's race, creed, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, or physical or mental disability, in a way that the person is adversely affected in the areas of:

(1)

Housing;

(2)

Employment;

(3)

Education;

(4)

Public accommodation; or

(5)

Financing.

(e)

Dwelling.

(1)

"Dwelling" means the whole or a part of a building, structure, mobile home, or manufactured housing which is occupied as, designed for, or intended for occupancy as a residence by one or more families.

(2)

"Dwelling" includes land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location, in whole or in part, of a building, structure, mobile home, or manufactured housing.

(f)

Family. "Family" includes a single individual.

(g)

Hearing. "Hearing" means an inquiry, forum, investigation, or meeting conducted in accordance with this article.

(h)

Person.

(1)

"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, labor institution, legal representative, mutual company, financial institution, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, agent, receiver, or fiduciary.

(2)

"Person" does not include the county government, county Board of Education, or community college.

(i)

Physical or mental disability. "Physical or mental disability" means a physical or mental condition which:

(1)

Substantially limits one or more of an individual's major life activities;

(2)

Is historically a part of the individual's record; or

(3)

Is regarded as an impairment.

(j)

Respondent. "Respondent" means a person against whom a complaint is filed under this article.

(k)

Sexual orientation. "Sexual orientation" means the identification of an individual as to male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.

(l)

Gender identity or expression. "Gender identity or expression" means a gender-related identity or appearance of an individual regardless of the individual's assigned sex at birth.

(m)

Veteran. "Veteran" means a person who is:

(1)

A former member of the Armed Forces of the United States who was discharged from active duty under circumstances other than dishonorable;

(2)

A member of the Maryland National Guard; or

(3)

A member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States.

(1988 Code, §§ 19-32, 19-39, 19-40, 19-41, 19-42, 19-43) (Bill No. 11-96, § 1, 2-15-1996; Bill No. 39-98, § 1, 5-8-1998; Bill No. 31-00, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 74-03, § 7, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 3-12, §§ 1, 3, 4-8-2012; Bill No. 1-16, § 1, 3-19-2016 )