Patrick signs executive order protecting transgender state employees

Governor Deval Patrick signed an Executive Order today protecting state employees from discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

"Governor Patrick is committed to protecting the equality and civil rights of all of the Commonwealth's residents," said Alex Goldstein, the Governor's Press Secretary. "This Executive Order ensures that all employees in the executive branch will continue to be able to perform their duties free of discrimination."

Gunner Scott, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), applauded the decision, but said the governor's work isn't over. "Unfortunately, there are a number of people who need the protection offered by this executive order but who will not get it because they are not state employees. Transgender residents of the Commonwealth face pervasive job discrimination and workplace harassment," Scott said in a public statement. "A study released earlier this month by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force found that 76 percent of transgender respondents from Massachusetts were harassed or mistreated on the job, and 20 percent reported losing their jobs, because they are transgender. No one should have to live in fear that they can be legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance. All hardworking people in our state, including transgender people, should have the opportunity to make a living and provide for themselves and their families.

"The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition applauds Gov. Patrick's decision to sign this Executive Order protecting the jobs of transgender state employees. This is not the first time Gov. Patrick has demonstrated his commitment to the community -- he also streamlined process by which transgender men and women can get proper state IDs. We know that there are transgender individuals who are state employees and we celebrate the job security the Executive Order affords them."

"Governor Patrick is a true champion for the LGBT community, and we applaud the critical first step he has taken with this order toward creating a Commonwealth where all hardworking people, including transgender people, have the opportunity to make a living and provide for themselves and their families," said MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini in a statement released by The Transgender Equal Rights Coalition.

The Transgender Equal Rights Coalition is working to pass "An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights," which would add gender identity and expression to existing Massachusetts civil rights laws. Current laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, and marital status in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. Members of the coalition include: Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition; MassEquality; Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders; National Association of Social Workers, MA; Mass Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus; National Organization for Women, MA; ACLU of Massachusetts; and Mass LGBTQ Bar Association.

"This is going to make a real difference in the lives of transgender state workers and their families," Scott said. "No one should have to work in fear that they could lose their job simply because of who they are."

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) Executive Director Lee Swislow said in a statement:

"As New England's leading legal organization working to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status, we hear every day from transgender people who are struggling to obtain and keep employment in the face of discrimination. We know this Executive Order will make a tangible difference in the lives of many people in Massachusetts.

"But it is only a first step. There are still many more who need the protection offered by this executive order but who will not get it because they are not state employees. Additionally, the Executive Order does not and cannot address the widespread problem of violence and hate crimes against transgender people or the discrimination and harassment they too often face when trying to complete the most mundane activities of daily life that most of us take for granted - running errands, going to work, shopping or dining out at restaurants. Only our legislature can remedy these unfortunate circumstances by passing the Transgender Equal Rights Bill, which would add the phrase "gender identity and expression" to existing Massachusetts civil rights laws.

"This is a commonsense piece of legislation that will make it easier for hundreds of people to earn a living, support themselves and their families and live more safely. As a proud member of the Transgender Equal Rights Coalition, an umbrella organization working to pass this legislation, we look forward to working with the legislature and Gov. Patrick to see that the bill is swiftly made law."