MA: Ask Your Legislator to Pass the Transgender Equal Rights Bill
February 17, 2011
Earlier today, Gov. 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. (Read more)
Now it’s up to lawmakers to do the rest. Please contact your Representative and Senator and ask them to match the Governor’s commitment by passing the Transgender Equal Rights Bill this session, so that all transgender workers have the same protection.
To find your legislators go to
www.malegislature.gov/People/FindMyLegislator
This will bring up your State Representative and State Senator and then you click on the link for each one which will bring you their phone number and email address.
Sample language you can use for your phone call or email:
Dear (name of Legislator)_____________
I am a constituent of yours from (list your town______). I am writing because I would like you to support “An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights” which has been filed in the House by lead sponsors Representatives Carl Sciortino and Byron Rushing and in the Senate by lead sponsor Senators Ben Downing and Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Today, Gov. Deval Patrick signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression in state employment. Unfortunately, there are a number of people who need the protection offered by this executive order but who will not get it because they are not state employees. Transgender residents of the Commonwealth face pervasive job discrimination and workplace harassment. A study released earlier this month by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force found that 76 percent of transgender respondents from Massachusetts were harassed or mistreated on the job, and 20 percent reported losing their jobs, because they are transgender.
Massachusetts should be a place of fairness and equality for all people, including transgender people. By updating the state’s non-discrimination and hate crimes laws we are extending fairness and equality in Massachusetts through these basic protections.
Please let me know where you stand on this important piece of legislation.
Thank you,
(Your Name)