Section 20-101 - Definitions. - Maryland Statutes

§ 20-101. Definitions.
 

(a)  In general.- In Subtitles 1 through 11 of this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language added as the standard introductory language to a definition section. 

(b)  Commission.- "Commission" means the Commission on Human Relations. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language added to avoid repetition of the full reference to the "Commission on Human Relations". 

(c)  Complainant.- "Complainant" means a person that files a complaint alleging a discriminatory act under this title. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 49B, § 20(c). 
 

The definition of the term "complainant" in former Art. 49B, § 20(c) was applicable only to former Art. 49B, §§ 19 through 39, which are revised in Subtitle 7 and Subtitle 10, Part II of this title. However, the term "complainant" was also used in former provisions of Article 49B that are revised in other subtitles in this title. In this revision, the definition of "complainant" in former Art. 49B, § 20(c) is made applicable to this title. Accordingly, the reference to a "discriminatory act" is substituted for the former reference to a "discriminatory housing practice". No substantive change is intended. 
  Defined Terms.


 
"Discriminatory act"                                                § 20-101


"Person"                                                              § 1-101

(d)  Discriminatory act.- "Discriminatory act" means an act prohibited under: 

(1) Subtitle 3 of this title (Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation); 

(2) Subtitle 4 of this title (Discrimination by Persons Licensed or Regulated by Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation); 

(3) Subtitle 5 of this title (Discrimination in Leasing of Commercial Property); 

(4) Subtitle 6 of this title (Discrimination in Employment); 

(5) Subtitle 7 of this title (Discrimination in Housing); or 

(6) Subtitle 8 of this title (Aiding, Abetting, or Attempting Discriminatory Act; Obstructing Compliance). 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language added for brevity and consistency throughout this title. 
  Defined Terms.


 
"Person"                                                             § 1-101

(e)  Respondent.-  

(1) "Respondent" means a person accused in a complaint of a discriminatory act. 

(2) "Respondent" includes a person identified during an investigation of a complaint and joined as an additional or substitute respondent. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 49B, § 20(s) and, as it related to a description of the respondent, § 10(a). 
 

The definition of the term "respondent" in former Art. 49B, § 20(s)(2), which included "a person identified during an investigation of a complaint and joined as an additional or substitute respondent" was applicable only to former Art. 49B, §§ 19 through 39, which are revised in Subtitle 7 and Subtitle 10, Part II of this title. However, the Commission on Human Relations advises that it is current practice to join additional or substitute respondents identified during the investigation of a complaint alleging any discriminatory act. In this revision, the definition of "respondent" in former Art. 49B, § 20(s)(2) is made applicable to this title. No substantive change is intended. 
  Defined Terms.


 
"Discriminatory act"                                                § 20-101


"Includes"                                                            § 1-101


"Person"                                                              § 1-101

(f)  Sexual orientation.- "Sexual orientation" means the identification of an individual as to male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 49B, §§ 5(a), 15(j), and 20(u). 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 49B, §§ 5(a), 10(a), 15(j), 20(c), (s), (u); 2009, ch. 120, § 2.]