VICTORY! Mass. Governor Signs Transgender Nondiscrimination Protections

Today Equality Federation celebrates Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s signing of a historic bill that updates Massachusetts state law to ensure explicit protections for transgender people from discrimination in public places, including restaurants, hospitals, parks, and public restrooms.

This powerful victory comes after over a decade of public education and dialogue in the state. We applaud Freedom Massachusetts, MassEquality, and Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) who have spent years building infrastructure and education on the ground in their home state.

Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation said, “This historic victory paves the way for other states to follow suit. All transgender Americans should be protected from discrimination and have a fair opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Congratulations to Massachusetts and everyone who worked so hard to make this happen!”

“Our work has helped people understand what it means to be transgender and that basic protections of law should be afforded to all people,” said Mason Dunn, Co-Chair of Freedom Massachusetts. “Today, Massachusetts sends a powerful message to the nation that politics need not play a role in the pursuit of equality for all Americans. We have shown beyond a doubt that LGTBQ rights are human rights and that transgender equality and justice for all is of concern for everyone, no matter political affiliation.”

The multi-tiered campaign in Massachusetts demonstrates the winning power of a strategic public education campaign and building bipartisan support. This includes winning Republican support in the House and Senate, as well as moving a Republican governor from a place of vehement opposition to a place of support. Like many Americans, Governor Baker has come to understand that, as some of our most vulnerable community members, transgender people – like all people – deserve to be protected from discrimination in all spaces.

The bill in Massachusetts was the only proactive transgender-specific protections bill before any legislature in the country this session. Massachusetts is now a leader for states across the country in protecting transgender people.