Transgender Advocates Urge Passage Of Bill

Transgender advocates are preparing to gather at the State House to urge legislators to pass a bill that would grant transgender people increased legal protections.

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition is scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday at 11 a.m. to recommend the passage of legislation before July 31 that would add "gender identity and expression" to the state's nondiscrimination laws.

Supporters say the legislation will help shield transgender people from being denied employment or housing.

Critics say the bill will lead to a breakdown in privacy in rest rooms, locker rooms and other single-gender facilities.

Some, like Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker, have labeled the legislation the "bathroom bill."

The bill has yet to come to a vote in the Legislature.