The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill to ban discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations.
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A debate in the House, where the bill faces more opposition, is expected in the coming weeks.
The Obama administration and North Carolina are battling in court over the legality of that state’s law, which the White House contends violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
The vote came almost five years after enactment of a law aimed at guarding against discrimination against transgender individuals in housing and employment.
Supporters contend the strong business reaction to North Carolina’s measure, with companies including PayPal Holdings and Deutsche Bank halting plans to expand, would help the MA bill’s prospects.
“We commend the Massachusetts Senate under the leadership of Senate President Stan Rosenberg for choosing to lead by embracing acceptance, respect and dignity for all at this pivotal moment for transgender equality in America”, said JoDee Winterhof, HRC senior vice president for Policy and Political Affairs.
Senate lawmakers are set to vote on the controversial transgender anti-discrimination bill – which opponents call “the bathroom bill”.
Democratic state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz said it was past time for MA to act. Backers of that law say it will protect women and girls from predators.
The Senate bill does not include language favored by House leaders that requires the attorney general to issue guidance and regulations for instances where people assert “gender identity for an improper goal”.
She said the governor “believes no one should be discriminated against based on gender identity”.
Supporters of expanded protections for transgender people say such fears are unfounded and haven’t been a problem in states that have passed public accommodations laws. “This violates a fundamental right to personal privacy”.
Rosenberg says transgender men are men and transgender women are women. “Thank you so much for standing with us and for protecting us”.
“If this legislation is passed, woman and children will have no protections against being ogled by, or exposed to, naked men”, Massachusetts Family Institute President Andrew Beckwith said.
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Elizabeth Fournier also opposes the bill. That protest included little children holding up signs that read, “No Bathroom Bill”.
