Massachusetts Enacts the Transgender Equal Rights Law
MR&W applauds the passage of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill by the Massachusetts legislature last week on November 15 (House) and November 16, 2011 (Senate). Now signed into law by Governor Patrick, once the law takes effect, transgender people will be afforded the same protections from discrimination as their fellow Massachusetts citizens, including in employment, housing, credit, and education. The law will also extend the protections of the hate crimes law to transgender people. In the employment context, this means that transgender employees of employers with six or more employees who suffer discrimination in the workplace may file a charge of discrimination with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and receive the same remedies as other complainants at the Commission. As with all discrimination claims brought before the Commission, the charge must be filed within 300 days of the wrongful act. The law will take effect on July 1, 2012.
We are proud that Massachusetts is once again leading the way with respect to equal rights and justice for all. Congratulations in particular to those individuals and organizations who worked so hard to make this law a reality.