Transgender rights bill pushed forward, criticized

Massachusetts lawmakers are debating whether to add transgendered status to the list of protected classes in the state's anti-discrimination statute, Chapter 151B.  The Boston Globe reports that the bill has been advanced by Democrats while at the same receiving criticism from Republican lawmakers who say that the bill would hurt small business and take the Legislature's focus away from the economy.  They also claim the bill would spur lawsuits.  The bill is expected to come to a vote in the next few days.  The national political website Daily Kos has expressed support for the bill.  The bill does not include protection against discrimination in public accommodation.  Based on my research, it appears that a new version of the bill was introduced today that differs slightly from older versions.  None of the politicians involved has stated that the bill was changed, so it was probably just technical corrections.