Massachusetts is currently in the process of reviewing legislation for a Transgender Public Accommodations Bill. Public accommodations are facilities, both public and private, used by the general public, including retail stores, public restrooms and recreational facilities. A person cannot be forced to leave or be unable to enter based on race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. However, people who are transgender can legally be told to leave a facility because the law does not protect them from discrimination.
An employer cannot fire a worker based on being transgender, but a business owner can refuse service. This kind of treatment is similar, if not identical, to the treatment of African Americans prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 where they could be employed somewhere but be refused service at the same place. By imposing similar restrictions to people who are transgender, the government is repeating its same mistakes. If passed, the bill will help to amend discriminatory actions towards transgender people.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has yet to voice his opinion on it but the odds of him vetoing the bill are unlikely. He has previously shown support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community so there is high certainty that the bill will be passed.
