A Milestone in Massachusetts: Trans Rights Bill Signed

[William769]

The moment that transgender activists in Massachusetts had been waiting for finally came Thursday as Gov. Deval Patrick sat at a desk at the statehouse and signed into law a bill that bans many types of discrimination.

The new law includes transgender people in an antidiscrimination statement that affects employment, housing, insurance, and credit, and it's inclusive of them in hate-crimes laws, according to the Boston Herald.

“Governor Patrick was a staunch advocate of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill from the earliest days of his administration, and we applaud his unwavering leadership in creating a Commonwealth where all hardworking people, including transgender people, will have the opportunity to make a living, put a roof over their heads, and get an education without fear of being discriminated against simply because of who they are,” said Kara Suffredini, executive director of MassEquality, in a statement.

But she also points out that there is more work to do.


http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/01/20/A_Milestone_in_Massachusetts_Trans_Rights_Bill_Signed/

[enlightenment]

1. Way to go, Massachusetts!

Delighted to see this; I hope it will encourage other states (and the federal government) to change their policies.

[Zenlitened]

2. A tremendous milestone, indeed.

[MarkCharles]

3. One down, 49 to go!

I don't think this got much coverage in the Mass press or media this week.

Maybe I missed all the protest.

That state has had the longest running legal marriage for gay folks, and, as far as I know, nothing at all negative has happened, a few snowstorms, a tornado or two, and a slight earthquake...but over the many years since the court decided, I honestly cannot link ANY of those events to the thousands of happy gay marriages that have happened, it's just mother nature, and the normal course of events.

[Fearless]

4. I love my state.