MA Transgender Civil Rights Legislation

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) believes that no one deserves to be fired, refused work, denied housing, education or credit, or face harrassment or violence simply because of bias against their gender identity or expression. Yet transgender and gender non-conforming people routinely face all of these, as well as high levels of crime. This legislation would strengthen the Commonwealth's commitment to all people, including those of diverse gender identity and expression, to provide equal protection under the law, and the opportunity to contribute to their communities and economy.

Legislation to outlaw discrimination in Massachusetts on the basis of "gender identity or expression" was introduced Jan 10, 2007, by lead sponsors Representative Carl Sciortino and Represenative Byron Rushing. House Bill #1722, "An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes", sends a clear message that transgender and gender non-conforming people in our communities should be able to work, go to school, and live without fear.

HB1722 was sent to the Judiciary Committee, which held a hearing on the bill in March, 2008. Testimony in support of the bill was overwhelming, but HB1722 was sent to study by the Judiciary Committee, effectively killing it for the 2007-2008 legislative session. It will be re-introduced for the next session, in January 2009.

MTPC supports this legislation and applauds the many state Representatives and Senators who are co-sponsoring and supporting it. But we need many more.

Learn more:

About the legislation
This new legislation would make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender expression or identity, and would affect employment, hate crimes, and more. [learn more]

Community Meetings
These meetings will be held around the state, to give all trans persons, friends, family and allies an opportunity to learn about, and participate in, our statewide legislative effort. [learn more]

How You Can Help Now
It's as easy as picking up the phone, we'll show you how, step by step. [learn more]

More Resources
Learn more about Massachusetts government and state law, state senators and representatives, and leading trans and GLBT legal and activist resources. [learn more]

Join the Transgender Civil Rights Coalition

MTPC is building a statewide coalition of partners to educate communities, legislators, and policy makers on transgender discrimination, hate crimes and the legislation, "An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes."

Coalition Partners are listed here on our website, and in printed materials. Partners will also receive opportunities such as invitations to forums, educational sessions, and media exposure. 

MTPC supports this legislation and we are asking your organization to do the same.  Please become a Transgender Civil Rights Coalition Partner. 

[Transgender Civil Rights Coalition Partner Form]