Gov. Patrick to hold ceremonial signing of Trans Bill

Advocates, allies, politicians, and supporters will gather at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. to celebrate Governor Deval Patrick's ceremonial signing of An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights.

The Governor on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 signed into law the Transgender Equal Rights Bill. The proposed legislation had been passed by the House on Nov. 15 and the Senate on Nov. 16.

"Governor Patrick was a staunch advocate of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill from the earliest days of his administration," said Gunner Scott, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC). "We are so grateful for his leadership in getting this bill passed and for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that all residents of the Commonwealth, including transgender people, are treated with dignity and respect under the laws of our state."

The bill provides vital protections for the state's estimated 33,000 transgender residents, legally protecting transgender individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and credit, as well as additional civil rights and protections from hate crimes.

During the ceremonial signing next week, Gov. Patrick will offer remarks about the bill and note the work still left to be done to ensure that all Massachusetts residents are protected from discrimination in the area of public accommodations. The event is free and open to the public. An evening celebration will follow at 7 p.m. at Club Caf� (204 Columbus Ave., Boston) hosted by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. RSVP to [email protected].