Massachusetts Governor Signs Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation

Boston, MA - Gov. Charlie Baker signed Massachusetts' transgender anti-discrimination bill into law Friday, a long-awaited move hailed as a victory by the state's trans community and its allies.

“No one should be discriminated against in Massachusetts because of their gender identity,” Baker, a Republican, said in a statement upon signing. “This compromise legislation extends additional protections to the Commonwealth’s transgender community, and includes language to address the public safety concerns expressed by some by requiring the Attorney General to issue regulations to protect against people abusing the law.”

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The Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination against transgender men and women in public places, and protects the ability to choose a restroom or other public facility that matches one's sexual identity, regardless of anatomical sex.

As a 10-state lawsuit fights similar federal guidelines for public school facilities, Massachusetts' passage of the bill by a Republican governor is particularly noteworthy.

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• Transgender Law Debate: What the Country can Learn From Massachusetts

After more than a month, a joint legislative committee ironed out the differences between Senate and House versions of the highly publicized transgender accommodations bill Wednesday. Final votes in both chambers Thursday sealed the deal, sending the bill to Baker's desk. He signed the next day.

Language in the House version of the bill shaped its final form, including additional guidelines for law enforcement regarding those who use false gender identity claims for "improper purposes."

The legislation also provides for the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and attorney general’s office to report their recommendations, regulations or guidance by September 1st, with full implementation of the law taking effect on Oct. 1.

State's Attorney General Maura Healey has been a vocal supporter of the legislation from day one, rallying local and national figures to the cause. She cheered the bill's passages Friday.

Massachusetts Freedom Coalition co-chairs Mason Dunn and Kasey Suffredini weighed in with campaign manager Carly Burton in a victorious message to bill supporters:

"This victory for transgender rights is truly ground breaking. Governor Charlie Baker has come a long way on his journey to supporting transgender non-discrimination. But after countless conversations with transgender Bay Staters and their families, after hearing and listening to our stories—our fears and aspirations—Gov. Charlie Baker has come full circle in support of transgender equality.

Today’s win is testament to the fact that stories matter. Visibility matters. And we are forever grateful to the transgender Bay Staters and their families on the frontline of this fight, who graciously offered to share their experiences—even when it meant putting themselves at risk.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Family Institute, which has long opposed the bill, issued a scathing statement in the wake of Baker's signature:

Thousands of concerned citizens have contacted the governor’s office over the past month, urging him to do the right thing and veto the bill. Instead, Governor Baker ignored them and gave in to a radical and aggressive agenda of sexual expression and a denial of basic biological truth. What we have today is the sacrifice of common sense and the abdication of responsibility by both houses of the legislature and now the governor.

>> Boston City Hall photo via @marty_walsh