NEWS FLASH

Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights Bill Advances Out Of Committee | After stagnating for six years, the Transgender Equal Rights Bill has advanced out of committee in the Massachusetts legislature. The bill would create nondiscrimination protections based on gender identity for the first time in the state, though the protections would not extend to public accommodations. The full legislature is expected to vote on the measure before they recess at the end of the week, and Gov. Deval Patrick (D) has indicated he would sign it.