Rep. Stanley helps pass Transgender Rights Legislation

Legislature Passes Bill To Protect the Rights of Transgender Individuals Using Public Accommodations

Guarantees key civil rights protections

(BOSTON) – Rep. Stanley helped pass final legislation to provide legal protections against discrimination related to gender identity or expression in public accommodations, including the right to use the restroom and locker room that match an individual’s gender identity. A portion of the bill will go into effect immediately upon signing. The remainder of the bill will become effective October 1, 2016.

To provide clarity to businesses and help quell harassment of transgender individuals, the bill directs the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination to adopt and promulgate policies regarding the implementation of the law. It also requires the Attorney General’s office to provide guidance on how to handle legal action if any person were to assert gender identity for an improper purpose.

Public accommodations include places such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, taxis and trains, bathrooms, parks and entertainment venues.