We believe that all people should be equal, safe and free, from cradle to grave. From transgender equality to important protections for LGBT youth and seniors, there's still more work to do. MassEquality supports the following bills that will directly impact the LGBTQ community. Learn more about our LGBTQ Champions Agenda for the 2013/2014 Legislative Session.
Priorities:
Student safety. We believe all students should be free from bullying and violence in schools.
Housing for LGBTQ youth. We believe homeless youth, up to 40% of whom are LGBTQ, deserve safe shelter.
Transgender equality. We believe that transgender people deserve full equality in public spaces.
Elder services. We believe that LGBTQ elders deserve culturally competent care.
The LGBTQ Champions Agenda
Background:
Our LGBTQ Champions Agenda for the 2013/2014 Legislative Session includes the following five bills:
- An Act Relative to Bullying in Schools (HB 454, SB 206). Hearing date 5/30/2013. This bill requires district bullying prevention plans to include enumerated categories of students who are more vulnerable to bullying. It also requires and stronger data collection by school districts of bullying incidents and school climate. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Alice Peisch and Senator Sonia-Chang-Diaz.
- An Act Providing Housing and Support Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (HB 135). This bill directs EOHHS to enter into contracts with organizations and agencies to provide housing and support services for all unaccompanied homeless youth. Up to 40% of unaccompanied homeless youth are LGBTQ-identified and they need services to get back on their feet and build a strong foundation for their futures. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Jim O’Day and Sen. Katherine Clark.
- An Act Relative to Equal Access in Hospitals, Public Transportation, Nursing Homes, Supermarkets, Retail Establishments and all other places open to the public (HB 1589, SB 643). This bill would add “gender identity” to existing Massachusetts civil rights laws for public accommodations, which currently allow for the exclusion of transgender people. This bill is sponsored by Reps. Carl Sciortino & Byron Rushing, as well as Sens. Sonia Chang-Diaz & Ben Downing.
- An Act Relative to LGBT Awareness Training for Aging Service Providers (HB 547). Hearing date 5/6/2013. While LGBTQ folks of all ages experience stigma, discrimination and abuse, LGBTQ older adults have historically endured particularly intense homophobia and transphobia. This bill would require the EOEA to develop a curriculum for delivery of accessible and appropriate services to LGBTQ older adults and caregivers. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Liz Malia.
- An Act to Create a Special Commission on LGBT Aging (HB 2047). Hearing date 4/9/2013. This bill would create a special commission to study and make recommendations about the health, housing, financial, psycho-social and long term care needs of older LGBTQ adults. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Sarah Peake.
