Bill > H1675

This bill proposes to update Massachusetts hate crime protections by adding "sex" and "gender" to the existing list of characteristics that are protected from targeted criminal acts. Specifically, the bill amends Section 39 of Chapter 265 of the Massachusetts General Laws by inserting the words "sex, gender" after "national origin" in the existing statute. This modification means that crimes committed against individuals specifically because of their sex or gender would now be considered hate crimes, which typically carry enhanced criminal penalties. By expanding the existing hate crime statute to include these additional protected categories, the bill aims to provide greater legal protections for victims who are targeted due to their sex or gender identity, reflecting a broader understanding of potential discriminatory motivations for criminal acts.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1675