GLAD's Jennifer Levi Statement on Public Accommodations Guidance from MA AG

Statement of GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi on Attorney General and MCAD Guidance on Transgender Public Accommodations Law

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)have each issued guidance on implementation and compliance with the new transgender public accommodations law, which will go into effect October 1.

Jennifer Levi, Transgender Rights Project Director for GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) issued the following statement:

"The purpose of this guidance is to ensure that the public accommodations law works as the legislature intended – that transgender people are protected and businesses across the Commonwealth have clarity on their responsibilities.

We appreciate that both MCAD and the Attorney General have issued practical, common sense guidance that takes into account the needs of both transgender people and the business community. These guidelines, which in fact reflect what many stores, restaurants and other businesses have been doing for years, demonstrate that this law is workable and will serve to make Massachusetts a more fair, welcoming and thriving place for all."

Transgender people who are experiencing discrimination can contact GLAD Answers at http://www.gladanswers.org.  A Q & A about the bill is available here.

Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation.