Post submitted by Ryan Rowe, HRC Associate Regional Field Director

On May 5, the bipartisan Freedom for All Massachusetts coalition officially launched its “Vote Yes” campaign in Boston to uphold the state law protecting transgender people from discrimination in public spaces. HRC is proud to serve alongside coalition partners as a member of the campaign’s executive committee.

"This November, Massachusetts voters have the opportunity to stand on the right side of history and to defend transgender equality in the Commonwealth," said HRC National Press Secretary, Sarah McBride, who represented HRC at the kickoff.  "The launch of the 'Vote Yes' campaign demonstrates the breadth of support--from sexual assault prevention advocates to business leaders--for keeping these vital protections. HRC is proud to serve on the campaign's executive committee and to stand with transgender Bay Staters in this effort to ensure that all residents of Massachusetts are treated with dignity and fairness."

Not long after the bipartisan passage of the 2016 bill to add gender identity to the state’s non-discrimination laws, opponents of the law confirmed they had gathered enough signatures to bring it to the November 2018 ballot for a repeal vote. If repeal occurs, Massachusetts would become the first and only state in the U.S. to pass a statewide ballot initiative to revoke legal protections for transgender people.

A “yes” vote preserves the current transgender anti-discrimination protections. A “no” vote is a vote to repeal them.

As part of the campaign, organizers will be going door-to-door across the state from now until Election Day to educate residents about transgender people and the state’s non-discrimination protections. Several phone banking events, community meetings and town halls are also planned to raise awareness and engagement with the campaign, with support from members of HRC’s New England Steering Committee for specific actions.

If you’d like to get involved in HRC’s efforts with Freedom For All Massachusetts, please contact HRC Associate Regional Field Director Ryan Rowe at ryan.rowe@hrc.org.