Both the Bay State’s leading trade association and leading association of small business joined the long list of supporters of the Yes on 3 ballot question campaign—the bipartisan coalition working so hard to uphold Massachusetts’ transgender nondiscrimination law on the midterm election ballot this November 6.
According to a Freedom for All Massachusetts press release today:
Both the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) pride themselves on serving the needs of all types of employers and retailers through public-policy advocacy, resources and services and have recognized the importance of upholding the nondiscrimination law protecting transgender people from discrimination in public places such as restaurants, retail stores, and medical offices.
“One of AIM’s main priorities is supporting public policy that creates economic opportunity and job growth,” said Rick Lord, AIM President and CEO. “We know that an inclusive Massachusetts is a productive Massachusetts. Supporting the law that prohibits discrimination against our transgender friends and neighbors is a not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”
“This law has made all public spaces, including the retailers we represent, safer for all people living and shopping in Massachusetts,” said Jon Hurst, RAM President. “The small businesses that make up our association understand the importance of acceptance in our community. We are proud to support the Yes on 3 campaign.”
In 2016, at the urging of civic, business and community leaders throughout the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts legislature passed – with a bipartisan, supermajority vote – the historic nondiscrimination protections for transgender people in public places. Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill into law in July 2016. Shortly after it went into effect, a small group of opponents gathered the minimum number of signatures required to place the law on the ballot for repeal in November 2018.
“Ensuring that transgender people have equal access – without fear of discrimination or harassment – to the corner store is what this law does,” said Mason Dunn, Yes on 3 campaign co-chair. “Having the support of these two associations underscores how wide-reaching support for the Yes on 3 campaign is.”
Massachusetts is the first state in the nation where transgender protections will be up for a vote on a statewide ballot measure. Currently, Massachusetts is among 19 states and more than 250 municipalities with nondiscrimination protections for transgender people in public places. The Massachusetts law also protects transgender people from discrimination in public restrooms and locker rooms.
More than 1,500 organizations, including law enforcement officials, sexual assault and domestic violence prevention experts, business leaders, members of the faith community, labor unions, and more have joined the coalition in support of upholding the law at the ballot.
AIM and RAM join other leading industry associations – including the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Newton-Needham Regional Chamber, Kendall Square Association, MassBIO, Alliance for Business Leadership, NAIOP Massachusetts – the Commercial Real Estate Development Association and others – in endorsing a Yes on 3 vote in November.
Freedom for All Massachusetts is the coalition working to uphold the state’s current nondiscrimination protections for transgender people in public places like restaurants, retail shops and hospitals, ensuring that Massachusetts continues to be a national leader on equality and fairness for all. A November 2018 ballot referendum will ask voters whether they want to retain the law, which has been effective since 2016.
