Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Eugene

(61,807 posts)
Tue May 31, 2016, 04:09 PM May 2016

Massachusetts governor would sign transgender rights bill

Source: Reuters

Politics | Tue May 31, 2016 3:53pm EDT

Massachusetts governor would sign transgender rights bill

BOSTON | BY SCOTT MALONE

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said on Tuesday he is ready to sign a transgender rights bill if it passes in its current form in the state House of Representatives amid an acrimonious debate across the United States about the issue.

Baker, a socially liberal Republican, had come under fire this year for refusing to say whether he would approve the bill, which would ban discrimination against transgender people in public restrooms and other public buildings. It passed the state Senate last month.

"No one should be discriminated against in Massachusetts because of their gender identity," Baker said in a statement. "I would sign the House version in its current form should it reach my desk."

The Massachusetts House is due to vote on the measure on Wednesday. It is expected to pass by a wide margin in the Democratic-controlled chamber.

The House version of the bill differs from the version passed by the Senate in that it directs the state attorney general to issue guidelines to law enforcement on how to handle people who claim transgender rights "for an improper purpose."

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-massachusetts-lgbt-idUSKCN0YM2GH
1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Massachusetts governor would sign transgender rights bill (Original Post) Eugene May 2016 OP
Of course he will, if he wants any cooperation from an overwhelmingly D legislature! nt MADem May 2016 #1
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Massachusetts»Massachusetts governor wo...