By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-974930.mp3
Springfield, MA – As the same sex marriage debate roils in New York, lawmakers in Massachusetts are weighing a proposal for transgender rights legislation. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports..
A bill has been filed in the Massachusetts legislature for the fifth year in a row that would expand the state's anti-discrimination laws to include gender identity or expression. Supporters say such language would protect transgender people from discrimination in employment and housing. It could allow for the prosecution of hate crimes against transgender people.
Danica Ali, a transsexual woman, from Springfield says the law is badly needed.
Critics have derided the legislation , calling it the bathroom bill and claiming it would lead to a breakdown in privacy in public rest rooms and in locker rooms.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Attorney General Martha Coakly support expanding legal protections to transgender people.
Robin D'Angelo, a professor of multi-cultural education at Westfield State Unversity says nondiscrimination laws are important, but don't afford civil rights.
Gay Pride events, typically held in June, are a way to dispel myths and bring more people into the campaign for equality, according to activists. Pride events have been common place for years in Boston and Northampton. Springfield had its first Pride celebration in a decade. Amaad Rivera, the first openly gay member of the Springfield city council, helped organize it.
Springfield city officials recognized the Pride celebration with the raising of a rainbow flag on the city hall esplanade and putting pride banners on downtown light poles.