July 8, 2016
Washington, D.C. – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the business voice of the LGBT community, welcomed the news that Governor Charlie Baker has signed anti-discrimination protections for transgender citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts into law. This measure makes Massachusetts the 18th U.S. state to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, an issue of both moral and economic importance to the Commonwealth. NGLCC proudly worked with Governor Baker to introduce a first-in-the-nation Executive Order intentionally including LGBT, disability, and veteran owned businesses into contracting and procurement opportunities statewide in November 2015.
“We gratefully acknowledge the signing of these protections as a major step forward for the dignity of all citizens in Massachusetts, and as a fulfillment of the promise of opportunity and inclusion started by our first-in-the-nation supplier diversity initiative enacted by the Baker Administration. We are pleased to continue building our relationship with Governor Baker to cultivate both social and economic equality throughout the Commonwealth,” said NGLCC Co-founder & President Justin Nelson.
The new protections will direct the Attorney General and Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination to make rules and regulations protecting transgender people from discrimination. The intent is to help ensure that transgender citizens won’t be unreasonably harassed for proof of their gender identity in, among other situations, the use of public accommodations.
“At a time when other states are facing tremendous backlash for their reprehensible and economically disastrous anti-LGBT laws, Massachusetts can continue leading in innovation, economic opportunity, and respect for all diverse citizens with this important transgender protections act. We thank Governor Baker and his administration for signing this important legislation,” said NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell.
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The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathan D. Lovitz
Vice President of External Affairs, NGLCC
Director, NGLCCNY
954.695.5896
