Governor Patrick’s Executive Order Protecting Transgender State Employees
Statement from GLAD Executive Director Lee Swislow
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“GLAD applauds Gov. Patrick for signing this Executive Order and reaffirming the Commonwealth’s longstanding commitment to civil rights and equality for all Massachusetts residents. 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.
“As New England’s leading legal organization working to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status, we hear every day from transgender people who are struggling to obtain and keep employment in the face of discrimination. We know this Executive Order will make a tangible difference in the lives of many people in Massachusetts.
“But it 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.
“This is a commonsense piece of legislation that will make it easier for hundreds of people to earn a living, support themselves and their families and live more safely. As a proud member of the Transgender Equal Rights Coalition, an umbrella organization working to pass this legislation, we look forward to working with the legislature and Gov. Patrick to see that the bill is swiftly made law.”
If you have questions about how this Executive Order may affect you, please call GLAD’s Legal InfoLine, Monday - Friday, 1:30 - 4:30p.m.
Boston Area: (617) 426-1350
New England: 1-800-455-GLAD
www.glad.org/rights/infoline-contact/
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Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England's leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.