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Mass. Senate Debates Transgender Bill

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A sign marks the entrance to a gender-neutral restroom at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt. Nearly all of the nation's 20 largest cities, including New York City, have local or state nondiscrimination laws that allow transgender people to use whatever bathroom they identify with, though a debate has raged around the topic nationwide. (Toby Talbot/AP)
A sign marks the entrance to a gender-neutral restroom at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt. Nearly all of the nation's 20 largest cities, including New York City, have local or state nondiscrimination laws that allow transgender people to use whatever bathroom they identify with, though a debate has raged around the topic nationwide. (Toby Talbot/AP)

Senate lawmakers are set to vote on the controversial transgender anti-discrimination bill, which opponents call "the bathroom bill."

The measure would ban discrimination against transgender people in public places such as sports arenas, movie theaters or restaurants. It would also allow people to use the restroom or locker room corresponding with their gender identity rather than physical anatomy.

The measure is likely to pass the Senate, but could face a tougher vote in the House.

"The definition of gender identity is so vague that it makes bathrooms and locker rooms basically a free-for-all, giving access to people with nefarious intentions unlimited access — to places where women and children are most vulnerable," said Republican Rep. Shaunna O'Connell during a press conference Wednesday.

Guest

Steve Brown, WBUR statehouse reporter. He tweets @WBURSteve.

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Radio Boston: When Being A Republican Means Supporting Transgender Rights

  • "Gov. Charlie Baker finds himself locked in a heated debate about the Transgender Public Accommodations Bill pending on Beacon Hill. The governor hasn’t yet said if he supports the bill."

Radio Boston: Transgender Students At Women’s Colleges Raise Identity Questions

  • "These days, lots of colleges and universities make an effort to accept and welcome members of the LBGT community. But what does it mean for a women’s college to embrace students who are born female and become men? Can schools like Wellesley, Smith, and Mount Holyoke retain their identity as all-women’s colleges, while making room for transgender men?"

This segment aired on May 12, 2016.

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