Massachusetts on the verge of transgender inclusive non-discrimination protections

Washington DC, June 6, 2016 — The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is welcoming the imminent signature into law of transgender inclusive non-discrimination protections in the state of Massachusetts.

Last week the Massachusetts House joined the state’s Senate in passing a bipartisan transgender inclusive public accommodations protection bill. Both bills will now likely go to conference committee for reconciliation before moving to the governor’s office. Governor Charlie Baker (R-M) has promised to sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk.

“This is a huge step forward in winning desperately needed public accommodation protections for transgender residents of Massachusetts. Our deep thanks must go to grassroots advocates who — through thoughtful public education and engagement — have helped to make protections and accommodations fully inclusive. We are also thankful to the many people of faith across Massachusetts and the country who took the journey to understand our community’s needs and become advocates as a result,” said Rev. Rodney McKenzie, Director of the Academy for Leadership and Action, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.

Supporters of the bill included former opponents of equality such as State Rep. Sheila Harrington (R-Groton) who is now an advocate of transgender equality “because of her faith, not in spite of it.”

The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund has been working with people of faith across the country to help make the connection between LGBTQ equality and the values of various faith traditions in order to train, educate, organize, and mobilize people of faith to advance freedom, justice, and equality for all.

“The more people who are able to open their hearts and minds to the stories of their neighbors, the more likely they are to use their faith to uplift and inspire,” McKenzie said.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
213-842-7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org