2930                                        LAWS OF MARYLAND                     [Ch. 875

discriminate in any other manner, against any person
because of race, creel, color, sex, age, [or] national
origin, MARITAL STATUS, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HANDICAP
UNRELATED IN NATURE AND EXTENT SO AS TO REASONABLY
PRECLUDE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EMPLOYMENT; provided,
however, that no employment practice not unlawful under
§§ 17, 18, and 19 of this article shall be deemed as
unlawful employment practice by the State.

If the Commission has received reliable information
from any individual or individuals, and after a proper
investigation by the Commission, it shall be determined
by the Commission that an officer or employee of a State
agency, department or board has engaged in discrimination
in hiring, firing, or any other type of activity against
any person because of race, creed, color, sex, age, [or]
national origin, MARITAL STATUS, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL
HANDICAP UNRELATED IN NATURE AND EXTENT SO AS TO
REASONABLY PRECLUDE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EMPLOYMENT,
and if the Commission is unsuccessful in resolving the
complaint, then the Commission shall report such act to
the Governor, and he shall review the case and findings
of the Commission. If the Governor is satisfied that an
act of discrimination has taken place, he shall remove or
suspend [said]THE officer or employee or take such action
as he deems appropriate under the circumstances.
Provided, however, that any removal, suspension, or other
action affecting any officer or employee who is covered
by the State merit system shall be subject to all rules
and regulations pertaining thereto. The authority of
the Commission relating to discrimination in State
agencies, boards or departments shall be limited to
investigation, conciliation, mediation and reporting to
the Governor as provided in this section.

11C.

It is unlawful for any person, business,
corporation, partnership, copartnership or association or
any other individual, agent, employee, group or firm
which is licensed or regulated by the Department of
Licensing and Regulations as set out under Article 41,
Subtitle 5A, "The Department of Licensing and
Regulations," to refuse, withhold from, deny or
discriminate against any person the accommodations,
advantages, facilities, privileges, sales or services
because of the race, sex, creed, color, [or] national
origin, MARITAL STATUS, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HANDICAP of
any person. Nothing in this section shall be construed
or interpreted to prohibit any person, business,
corporation, partnership, copartnership, association or
any other individual, agent, employee, group or firm
which is licensed or regulated by the Department of
Licensing and Regulation from the right to refuse,
withhold from or deny any person for failure to conform