social issues - NewBostonPost

transgender

‘Bathroom bill’ passes Massachusetts House as foes fail

BOSTON — After a virtual marathon of proposed amendments, moral platitudes and the occasional outburst from the gallery by supporters and opponents alike, the state House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would ensure access to the public bathroom or changing room of choice for transgender people. Wednesday's

Maura Healey

Baker scrambles political calculus on House ‘bathroom bill’

BOSTON – Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday that he would sign the version of the so-called bathroom bill pending in the state House of Representatives, citing the measure's directive calling on Attorney General Maura Healey to craft a series of protective regulations. But critics question Healey's

transgender

Baker relents, says he’d sign the House bathroom bill

BOSTON – On the eve of a debate in the state House of Representatives on access to public facilities for transgender people, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday he would sign a version of the so-called bathroom bill currently before lawmakers in the lower chamber. "No one should be discriminated

transgender

Transgender directive prompts a dozen states to sue

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas is leading a dozen states, including Maine, in suing the Obama administration over its directive to U.S. public schools to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their self-selected gender identity. The lawsuit announced Wednesday also includes Oklahoma, Alabama, Wisconsin, West

black lives matter

Dartmouth students demand end to coddling, focus on learning

HANOVER, N.H. – Alleging that Dartmouth College administrators have increasingly "assumed the role of paternalistic babysitters," students at the Ivy League institution have launched an online petition that aims to refocus the school on education and the free exchange of ideas. The "Take Back Dartmouth" petition,

Obamacare

Kennedy bill would bar religious exemption claims

WASHINGTON – Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III on Wednesday proposed "clarifying" the Religious Freedom Act in a way that supporters say will prevent organizations, business owners and other individuals from using it to shield discrimination against others on the basis of religious beliefs. Business owners who

transgender

US threatens school aid in transgender dictate; foes stand firm

WASHINGTON – White House spokesman Josh Earnest on Friday insisted that the Department of Education's message to schools on transgender access to restrooms and locker rooms simply equates to "guidance." But a close look shows the department threatens fiscal punishment for non-compliance. "In this instance this

Massachusetts

Senate passes ‘bathroom bill’ that foes say tramples privacy

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill to guarantee access to public facilities, including sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms based on their self-selected gender identity. The so-called bathroom bill (S 735) passed by a lopsided 33-4 in the 40 seat chamber, with all four votes cast against