Our Neighbors To The North

Massachusetts had their lobby day for the public accommodation bill on Thursday and it looks like they had a good turnout for the event.

Transgender community pushes for equal access to public areas
A similar bill failed in the legislature last year
WWLP
Tiffany Chan, 22News State House Correspondent
Published: September 17, 2015

BOSTON (WWLP) – A new bill would allow transgender individuals equal access to public areas. Some state lawmakers have concerns when it comes to public restrooms.
Transgender people lobbied State House lawmakers on Thursday, pressing for equal rights in public places. Deja Nicole Greenlaw of Unity of the Pioneer Valley said, “We’re not scary at all; we’re not going to harm anyone.”
The proposed legislation would allow transgender individuals to access public spaces that match their gender identity; that includes sidewalks, buses and hospitals.
[…]
Springfield’s Danica Ali told 22News her experience with discrimination. Ali said, “I have had people follow me into the restrooms in Massachusetts and that is wrong.”

But they are going to have a hard time passing the bill,

Supporters have a long way to go before this becomes law. Republican Governor Charlie Baker has said in the past that he supports the law the way it’s written now. Some state lawmakers hope to expand transgender rights with or without the Governor’s support.

State Rep. Ellen Story, (D) Amherst, said, “If the Governor feels the need to veto it, I hope that we will have the votes to override his veto.”

I hope that they do pass the bill with a veto proof margin.