Bill > H4343

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to explicitly include "gender identity" alongside "sex" in anti-discrimination provisions, meaning that discrimination based on a person's gender identity is now prohibited in the same way as discrimination based on sex. Specifically, it updates Section 92A of Chapter 272 of the General Laws, which deals with discrimination in public accommodations, to ensure that any place that lawfully separates access based on sex must grant admission and full enjoyment consistent with a person's gender identity. It also updates Section 98 of the same chapter. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement these changes, including how gender identity can be proven, and the Attorney General's office will issue guidance on handling cases where gender identity is asserted for an improper purpose. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2017.