Massachusetts Senate to Debate Transgender Rights Bill

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.

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.”