BOSTON (April 20, 2016) — Yesterday, representatives of Keshet, ADL, the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston presented letters thanking Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo for their longstanding support of “An Act Relative to Transgender Anti-Discrimination,” and urging swift action to pass this critical legislation.
Senate President Stan Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo were also given a list of Jewish leaders and individuals, from across the Commonwealth and the United States. The signatories believe that the Jewish tradition affirms all people and that respecting all human dignity is the foundation of a just society.
Transgender people in Massachusetts cannot afford to wait any longer to be sure they can access public accommodations without fear of discrimination, harassment, and violence. Opponents of the legislation assert a supposed threat of transgender people in restrooms and locker rooms; however, but the reality in states, municipalities, and schools with similar legislation or policies proves this assertion to be is unfounded.
We thank Senate President Stan Rosenberg, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and the bill’s sponsors in the House and Senate, for their support of the transgender community in Massachusetts. It is past time that Massachusetts ensures the full dignity and safety of transgender people.
Seventeen school districts serving 600,000 students across the country reported no problems after implementing transgender-inclusive policies. These policies are aligned with the US Department of Education’s guidelines issued in April, 2014, clarifying that transgender students are protected under Title IX.
Conversely, transgender people are at a great risk of violence and harassment in public facilities, including bathrooms and locker rooms. According to recent research published by The Fenway Institute, 65% of transgender people surveyed in Massachusetts experienced discrimination in public accommodations, including verbal and physical harassment or assault.
The petition text is viewable at www.keshetonline.org/work/petition-in-support-of-full-transgender-rights-in-massachusetts/support-transgender-rights-in-ma/. A list of signatories to the petition can be seen atwww.keshetonline.org/work/petition-in-support-of-full-transgender-rights-in-massachusetts/.
Selected photos can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/keshet/albums/72157666821271260.
###
Keshet is a national organization that works for full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life. Led and supported by LGBTQ Jews and straight allies, Keshet cultivates the spirit and practice of inclusion in all parts of the Jewish community. Our work is guided by a vision of a world in which all Jewish organizations and communities are strengthened by LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programming, culture and leadership, and where Jews of all sexual orientations and gender identities can live fully integrated Jewish lives.
