Massachusetts Becomes 16th State To Protect Transgender People From Discrimination

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has signed into law “An Act Relative To Gender Identity,” which adds “gender identity and expression” to the state’s hate crimes law as well as existing civil rights laws that protect from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and credit. “No individual should face discrimination because of who they are,” Patrick said. “This legislation gives Massachusetts the necessary tools to stop hate crimes against transgender people and to treat others fairly. I am proud to sign it.” Massachusetts is now the 16th state (plus the District of Columbia) to include protections for transgender people.