Governor Patrick Signs Historic Executive Order Protecting Transgender State Employees
Today, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed an historic Executive Order prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression in state employment. It applies to all state agencies in the Executive Branch, as well as businesses and organizations that contract with the Executive Branch.
“GLAD applauds Governor Patrick for signing this Executive Order and reaffirming the Commonwealth’s longstanding commitment to civil rights and equality for all Massachusetts residents,” said GLAD Executive Director Lee Swislow. “By prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression in state employment, the governor is providing an equal opportunity for hardworking transgender people in our state to make a living and provide for themselves and their families. We are grateful to the Governor for his leadership on this important issue and for using the power of his office to advance non-discrimination protections for transgender people in Massachusetts. Massachusetts benefits when skilled, competent employees can do their jobs without fear of being fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance.”
“But this is only a first step. There are still many more who need the protection offered by this Executive Order but who will not get it because they are not state employees. Additionally, the Executive Order does not and cannot address the widespread problem of violence and hate crimes against transgender people or the discrimination and harassment they too often face when trying to complete the most mundane activities of daily life that most of us take for granted – running errands, going to work, shopping or dining out at restaurants. Only our legislature can remedy these unfortunate circumstances by passing the Transgender Equal Rights Bill, which would add the phrase “gender identity and expression” to existing Massachusetts civil rights laws.”
Read GLAD’s complete statement
Read the statement of the Transgender Equal Rights Coaltion
The Signed Orders
Executive Order 526: Order Regarding Non-Discrimination, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, And Affirmative Action
Executive Order 527: Establishing The Office Of Access And Opportunity Within The Executive Office Of Administration And Finance