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Massachusetts will debate trans law today after Guv says he’ll sign it

Massachusetts will debate trans law today after Guv says he’ll sign it

BOSTON (AP) — House leaders are predicting passage of a transgender rights bill that Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is promising to sign if it reaches his desk.

The Democratic-controlled House is expected to debate and vote Wednesday on the bill, which would bar discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations, including restrooms and locker rooms.

The House version includes a provision calling for penalties against anyone who makes an “improper” claim of gender identity. Critics of the bill have argued that male sexual predators could falsely claim gender identity to access women’s bathrooms or locker rooms.

Baker announced Tuesday he would sign the bill if the language in the House bill is included when it reaches his desk. The language was not part of a bill passed earlier by the state Senate.

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