Press Statement  AG Healey Applauds Senate Passage of Public Accommodations Bill

Boston — Attorney General Maura Healey today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the transgender anti-discrimination bill:

“Today the Senate stood up for the transgender people in our state who have suffered discrimination and harassment for far too long without these critical legal protections in place.  I thank Senate President Rosenberg, Senator Chang-Diaz and their colleagues for their support for this important bill and I look forward to the House following suit very soon. We should not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our public spaces and it’s time we join the 17 other states that already extend these protections. This is a simple bill, but one that is incredibly meaningful. I am optimistic that we will do the right thing and get this law on the books.”

BACKGROUND:

AG Healey has worked closely with advocates to garner support for this bill. In October, AG Healey testified in support of the legislation and submitted a letter advocating for its passage. In March, the AG’s Office launched the #EveryoneWelcome social media campaign, featuring short video messages from celebrity allies of the transgender community and families from across Massachusetts. A total of 68 businesses joined the AG’s Office in a letter urging the Legislature to take a favorable vote on legislation.