Bill > S735

This bill aims to ensure equal access to public places for transgender individuals by amending existing Massachusetts General Laws. Specifically, it proposes to insert the term "gender identity" alongside "sex" in sections of the law that prohibit discrimination in public accommodations, meaning places open to the public like restaurants, hotels, and shops. This change clarifies that discrimination based on a person's gender identity is unlawful. The bill also adds a provision stating that if a public accommodation lawfully separates access based on sex, it must allow all individuals admission and full enjoyment consistent with their gender identity. Furthermore, it designates the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), a state agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws, to create rules and policies to implement these protections. The bill defines "gender identity" by referencing an existing legal definition within Massachusetts law.