Mass. Teachers Unions Throw Weight Behind Transgender Rights Bill

Boston, MA - The state's two largest teachers unions announced their support Monday for a bill that would prohibit discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations, and protect their right to choose a public restroom that matches their sexual identity, regardless of anatomical sex.

As announced by the Massachusetts Freedom Coalition Monday, the bill now has support from the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Massachusetts' K-12 schools have offered similar protections regarding restroom and locker room access to transgender students since 2013. The new bill would extend that protection across the board.

Educators' support for the bill runs counter to other states, such as South Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin, where lawmakers have pursued legislation banning students from using restrooms and locker rooms that do not match their gender at birth.

Massachusetts' proposal is backed by both houses of the state Legislature, but its fate in the governor's office is unclear.

>> Photo credit Ted Eytan via Flickr/Creative Commons