Massachusetts Non-Discrimination Law
Gender identity protected? Yes
While gender identity is not explicitly included in the state’s anti-discrimination law, several courts and the state Commission Against Discrimination have ruled that transgender individuals can pursue an anti-discrimination claim under the category of sex or disability discrimination.
Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Massachusetts explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations, housing, public and private employment, education, credit and union practices.
Citations: Lie v. Sky Publishing Corp., 15 Mass. L. Rptr. 412 (Mass. Super. 2002); Doe v. Yuntis, 15 Mass. L. Rep. 278 (Mass. Super. 2001); Jette v. Honey Farms Mini Market, 2001 Mass. Comm. Discrim. LEXIS 50 (Mass. Commission Against Discrimination 2001); MASS. GEN. LAWS ANN. ch. 151B, §§ 3-4.
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Last Updated: 3/9/2007