Melrose Mayor Among Those Pushing to Protect Transgender Rights

A dozen municipal leaders across Massachusetts on Wednesday called on the State Legislature and Governor Charlie Baker to swiftly pass a legislation which would ensure transgender people are protected from discrimination in public places.

Under the banner “Mayors for Freedom,” each leader represents a municipality that currently offers public accommodations protections for transgender residents and visitors. Melrose Mayor Richard Dolan is among those leading the charge.

“I am proud that Boston is committed to providing protection from discrimination in public places, regardless of gender identity, ” said the group’s Co-Chair, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

“Everyone has the right to enjoy retail stores, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, theaters, public parks, and public transportation. Our diversity and inclusive community is what makes Boston so strong. I call on the Legislature to pass this bill so we can do more to provide tangible protections to all of our Commonwealth’s residents and visitors,” Walsh added.

Freedom Massachusetts is the bipartisan campaign working to ensure all people are treated fairly and equally under the law. As of right now, state law doesn’t protect transgender Bay Staters from discrimination in the places we all are when we’re not at home, work or school.