BOSTON—Parents of transgender youth are making their case at the Statehouse in favor of a bill to boost legal protections for transgender people in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition executive director Gunner Scott said advocates are pushing back against criticism of the bill from opponents, including Republican candidate for Governor Charles Baker, who have labeled it the "bathroom bill."
Critics who say the bill will lead a breakdown in privacy in rest rooms, locker rooms and other single-gender facilities have launched a website accusing lawmakers of trying to sneak the bill through as a budget amendment.
Gov. Deval Patrick supports the bill, saying it would strengthen the state's civil rights laws.
The bill would add "gender identity and expression" to the state's discrimination laws.
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On the net:
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition: http://www.masstpc.org
Massachusetts Family Institute: http://www.nobathroombill.com.
