GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) issued the following statement by Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi after the Massachusetts House and Senate passed the transgender public accommodations bill, now on its way to Governor Charlie Baker for signature:

“Today is a great day for the transgender people of Massachusetts, and for everyone in the Commonwealth who supports equality and opposes discrimination. All transgender people have ever wanted is to live fully and authentically, whether walking through a park, checking a book out of a library, buying a gift for a loved one, or celebrating with a meal in a restaurant.

“So many people have worked hard and acted courageously to bring us to this moment. We owe a debt of gratitude to the legislators who have stood up for equality, and to the transgender people and their families who have told their stories.”

Transgender people who are experiencing discrimination can contact GLAD Answers at www.gladanswers.org.  A Q & A about the bill is available here.