Transgender advocates are preparing to gather at the Massachusetts Statehouse to lobby state legislators to pass a bill designed to grant increased legal protections to transgender people.
BOSTON (AP) — Transgender advocates are preparing to gather at the Massachusetts Statehouse to lobby state legislators to pass a bill designed to grant increased legal protections to transgender people.
The Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a public hearing Wednesday afternoon to hear testimony on a bill that would add the words "gender identity and expression" to the state's nondiscrimination laws.
Supporters say the legislation will help shield transgender people from being discriminated against when seeking a job or housing.
Critics say the bill will lead to a breakdown in privacy in rest rooms, locker rooms and other single-gender facilities. They have labeled the legislation the "bathroom bill."
Among the supporters of expanded legal protections for transgender people is Gov. Deval Patrick who said last year he would sign the bill.