BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate is planning to debate a bill aimed at strengthening legal protections for transgender individuals.
The bill would ban discrimination against transgender people in restaurants, malls and other public accommodations, including restrooms. It would expand a 2011 state law that bans discrimination in the workplace and in housing.
Democratic Senate President Stan Rosenberg is a strong supporter of the Senate bill, which is up for debate Thursday.
A redrafted House version of the legislation includes language that appears to address concerns that a sexual predator could falsely claim gender identity to gain access to female restrooms or locker rooms.
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It would allow the state attorney general to provide “guidance or regulations” to law enforcement about legal action against “any person who asserts gender identity for an improper purpose.”
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