February 26, 2008

Transgender Rights and Hate Crimes Bill in Massachusetts

Brian Camenker is the President and Founder of Mass Resistance. He appeared on this edition of Crosstalk with Mass Resistance lead researcher Amy Contrada.

H-1722, The Transgender Rights and Hate Crimes Bill, is a new piece of legislation pending in the state of Massachusetts. In addition to its recognition of yet another alleged minority, H-1722 adds the rather vague phrase, "Gender identity or expression." Unfortunately, the legislation doesn't give much clarification. For example, Amy read the following from a portion of the legislation: "The term, 'Gender Identity or Expression,' shall mean a gender related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual regardless of the individual's assigned sex at birth."

Brian and Amy explain how this legislation could affect various sectors of society such as the workplace, schools, churches, and the general arena of public accommodations.

The public hearing for H-1722 is next Tuesday. If it gets through committee then it goes to the Massachusetts House and the Senate. In order to keep this legislation from moving beyond the upcoming committee meeting, the legislators listed below need to be contacted.

More Information

http://www.massresistance.com

Action Points

A Transgender Rights and Hate Crimes Bill currently is being considered in Massachusetts, which will mandate positive presentation and acceptance of "Gender identity or expression" of all kinds, make any "public" place an area where such behavior is accepted--even if the "public" place is in a school, church, or hospital--and penalize anyone who objects personally, or in their business. To make your views known about this bill, contact the following committee chairmen before hearings take place on Tuesday, March 4:

Massachusetts State Senator Robert Creedon
617-722-1200

Massachusetts State House Representative Eugene O'Flaherty
617-722-2396