Trans* Success

transawareness:

As of this morning Nov 16, 2011 Congratulations to Massachusetts on becoming the 16th Trans Equal Rights state!

Today, the Massachusetts Legislature voted to pass the Transgender Equal Rights Bill.  The bill adds protections to the state’s civil rights laws against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and credit based on gender identity or expression and adds gender identity and expression to the state’s hate crimes law.  The bill will go into effect 90 days after it is signed by Governor Patrick.

HRC President Joe Solmonese explained the importance of adopting the Transgender Equal Rights Bill his testimony to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary: “In addition to guaranteeing a level playing field in employment, House Bill 502 would ensure that housing opportunities are made available to all, students are free from discrimination in schools, and no one has to forego entering a public establishment based solely on who they are. It is well-documented that transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are shown less desirable properties for purchase or rent, are excluded from schools activities, receive less favorable customer service, or encounter outright refusal of service. This bill does not prevent employers from firing incompetent employees and does not prevent landlords from turning down unqualified renters. Instead, this bill simply makes sure that all employees get a fair chance at working hard to get ahead without discrimination or bias and that no one is singled out for arbitrary discrimination when it comes to areas like housing, education, public accommodations, and access to credit.”

Massachusetts has Gunner Scott the Executive Director at Mass Trans Political Coalition and MTPC itself to thank for 10 years of hard work that led to this morning’s victory.  Bravo.  Job well done.