Rep. Dykema Votes to Prevent Discrimination in Public Accommodations

From the Office of Representative Carolyn Dykema:

BOSTON – Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) joined her House colleagues in passing H.4343, An Act relative to transgender anti-discrimination, a bipartisan effort following the Senate’s passage of a similar bill earlier in May. This bill prohibits discrimination in access to public accommodations on the basis of gender identity.

Public accommodations legislation is supported by over 200 organizations that do business in Massachusetts, including the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. In January, the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Revolution, and Bruins announced their joint support for the bill, and a coalition of groups including local mayors, faith leaders, police chiefs, and women’s organizations has endorsed the bill as well.

“After listening to countless stories of fear and discrimination shared with me by transgender residents and their families, I believe this is a critical civil rights issue,” said Representative Dykema. “Not only are we working to protect the safety and rights of all Massachusetts residents, but we are also making a statement that the Commonwealth is a welcoming place to businesses and individuals who want to work and live in peace with dignity and without fear of discrimination.”

Massachusetts joins 17 other states and more than 200 municipalities across the country in passing non-discrimination laws protecting gender identity in public spaces. 12 Massachusetts cities and towns have already passed similar ordinances, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has guided schools on best practices for providing equal opportunities to all students since 2012.

Having passed the Senate and House, the bill will now be sent to the Governor for his signature.