Gov Baker Said He Now Supports Transgender Legislation
Wednesday, June 01, 2016
Activist who support the bill immediately praised the Governor’s decision. Freedom Massachusetts Campaign Manager Carly Burton said, "We are thrilled to hear of the Governor's support for this critical piece of legislation. His statement underscores that this is not a partisan issue. Governor Baker promised to listen to all sides and has shown that the efforts of transgender people and their allies to share their stories has made a real difference. Tomorrow, lawmakers in the House will vote, and we expect soon all transgender people living and visiting Massachusetts will have full and explicit protections under the law."
Building Support in MA
Earlier this month, Senator Michael Moore (D-Milbury) spoke in favor of the Senate legislation.
“I found it important to educate myself on both sides of this issue,” said Sen. Moore. “Public discussion regarding the rights of transgender individuals often generates a polarized response. However, after thoroughly reviewing the merits of this legislation, and having met with families and children whose individual rights are at stake, my concerns, which were largely based on being unfamiliar with the issue, were quickly dispelled. This bill fills the gap to ensure that transgender individuals are not refused service or discriminated against in public places such as restaurants, nursing homes, coffee shops, grocery stores, and sports arenas. I am confident that the legislation offers reasonable provisions to protect the rights of transgender individuals without infringing on the rights of others.”
“I am deeply proud of the Massachusetts Senate for reaffirming our commitment to value and celebrate the diversity of humanity, and fulfilling our sworn duty to uphold civil rights for all individuals as enshrined in the Equal Protection clause of the Massachusetts and United States Constitutions,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “I am very hopeful that this will become the law of our land as soon as possible. Every day without equal protection under the law for transgender people is another day we tolerate discrimination, and one more day is far too many.”
Last week, Texas was joined by 10 other states in a lawsuit against the Obama administration regarding its directive on transgender students in public schools. Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin are the other states included in the lawsuit.
Include the following visualizations to highlight figures regarding the transgender population in the United States and recent legislation regarding transgender people.
The Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth announced its strong support for new guidance released by the Obama Administration, directing public schools across America to allow transgender student access to the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity.
The guidance, released by the Departments of Education and Justice, cites Massachusetts as an example of a state already implementing similar policies in schools.
“The action being taken by the Obama Administration is a clear message to transgender students across America that the federal government values them for who they are,” said Julian Dormitzer, Chairperson of the Commission. “We are incredibly proud that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education had the foresight to begin this work three years ago and is now serving as a national model.”
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