News

Jul 14, 2010

"Bathroom Baker," Meet "Bathroom Bill"

By David S. Bernstein for The Boston Phoenix

It used to be, when media reports referred to transgender equality legislation as the "bathroom bill," I could rant about the journalistic irresponsibility. And we all feel good when we can feel morally superior to people in the news media.

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Jul 14, 2010

Advocates push transgender bill

By Jackie Bruno for WWLP.com

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Transgender advocates gathered at the State House Wednesday to push a bill that would provide more legal protection for transgender people.

It’s been dubbed the bathroom bill by critics because they are worried this will force companies to provide an additional bathroom for transgender people. But, this bill is about a lot more than just bathrooms.

This legislation would add "gender identity and expression" to the state's nondiscrimination laws. It would protect transgender people from being denied employment or housing.

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Jul 14, 2010

Transgender bill held up as supporters press lawmakers

By Lindsey Parietti / StateHouse News Service for Metro West Daily News

BOSTON - Transgender rights advocates pressured lawmakers Wednesday to vote on a bill that would protect transgender people in state non-discrimination and hate crime laws.

The bill, first filed in 2007, has been held up in the Judiciary Committee for most of the two-year session, despite having 104 co-sponsors in the House and Senate including House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop).

Through a spokesman, DeLeo observed that the bill is under consideration.

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Jul 14, 2010

Transgender Groups Pushing 'Bathroom Bill'

By WCVB TV for TheBostonChannel.com

BOSTON -- Transgender advocates gathered at the Statehouse Wednesday to urge state legislators to pass a bill that would grant transgender people increased legal protections.

The group demanded action on a bill stuck in committee.

"There are two weeks left in the legislative session. This is the right thing to do. It's about people lives, working families. It's about jobs. It's about giving people the dignity to walk down the street everyday," said Dee Dee Edmondson, of Mass Equality.

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