Hearing on MA Transgender Civil Rights Bill July 14
Read a wrap up of the hearing and see other material (including video) in the resources section below.
“An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes” (H. 1728/S. 1687) was heard by Massachusetts’ Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Tuesday, July 14. This bill would give all Massachusetts citizens equal protection under state law regardless of gender identity or expression. In doing so it will send a clear message that all citizens of the Commonwealth should be able to work, go to school, and live without fear.
Resources:
Read the testimony of GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director, Jennifer Levi.
Watch video of Jennifer Levi’s testimony at the hearing.
Watch video of Representative Carl Sciortino’s testimony at the hearing.
Saving All Our Children: Jennifer’s reflections on the hearing.
Another Front For Fairness: Read the Boston Globe‘s July 24, 2009 editorial in support of this bill.
What Happened at the Transgender Rights Hearing: an excellent write up at the blog Dym Sum.
Read a profile of bill supporter Dana Zircher in the Boston Globe.
Read Alyson’s testimony and story of facing employment discrimination.
View Video and Photos from the July 14 press conference in support of the bill, and video from the July 13 Massachusetts Women’s Organizations press conference.
Press Release: Transgender People, Family Members Urge Legislators to Pass Civil Rights Bill.
Read The Time is Now for Transgender Rights: An Update on Transgender Rights Legislation Across New England
GLAD followed the proceedings on our Twitter feed. You can also help by contacting your legislators or sharing your own story about why you support the bill.
GLAD is part of a statewide coalition working to pass this legislation. Key supporters include Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), the Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization of Women (MassNOW), and Jane Doe, the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
A similar bill was sent out for study after its Judiciary Committee hearing last year. It was re-introduced this year in the House by Representative Carl Sciortino and Representative Byron Rushing and in the Senate by Senator Benjamin Downing.
Video: Everyone Matters - Dignity and Safety for Transgender People