MassEquality has announced its “Champions Agenda” for Massachusetts’ 2019–2020 legislative session—bills that the Bay State LGBTQ grassroots advocacy organization is backing and wants everyone in the community to get behind along with them.
In addition to the conversion therapy ban and transgender rights policy, the legislation promotes health care for LGBTQ youth and people living with HIV/AIDS, data collection for LGBT individuals in correctional facilities, and the repeal of “archaic laws criminalizing sodomy that remain on the books and could threaten LGBTQ people in the future.”
Here’s the line-up:
“An Act relative to abusive practices to change sexual orientation and gender identity in minors” (HD.2848): This bill, also known as the Conversion Therapy Ban Bill, would prohibit licensed mental health professionals from trying to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a minor. If the bill passes this session, Massachusetts would join 15 U.S. states plus Washington, DC in banning this practice. (Lead sponsor: Rep. Kay Khan)
“An Act Relative to Healthy Youth” (HD.827/SD.579): This bill would ensure that students receive medically accurate, comprehensive and age-appropriate sex education information in school. (Lead sponsors: Reps. Jim O’Day and Paul Brodeur, and Sen. Sal DiDomenico)
“An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification” (SD.2047): This bill would allow an applicant to designate “X” instead of “F” or “M” on their birth certificate, driver’s license, state ID card or liquor purchase ID card, as well as direct the Attorney General to report on other state forms that require a gender designation and the purpose of the requirement. (Lead sponsor: Sen. Jo Comerford)
“An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification” (HD.840): This bill would allow an applicant to designate an “X” gender marker instead of “F” or “M” on their driver’s license or state-issued ID cards. (Lead sponsor: Rep. David Linsky)
“An Act Relative to the Collection of Data on LGBTQI Prisoners Held In Restrictive Housing” (HD.1126/SD.2094): This bill would require correctional facilities to collect data and regularly report on the status of LGBTQ prisoners held in restrictive housing and solitary confinement in the Commonwealth. (Lead sponsors: Rep. Ruth Balser and Sen. Julian Cyr)
“An Act relative to the reform of unconstitutional archaic laws” (HD.185): This bill would repeal archaic laws criminalizing sodomy that remain on the books and could threaten LGBTQ people in the future. (Lead sponsor: Rep. Jay Livingstone)
“An Act establishing the Massachusetts Law Revision Commission” (HD.224): This bill would create a standing commission to review Massachusetts laws and identify archaic language that should be repealed. (Lead sponsor: Rep. Jay Livingstone)
“An Act Relative to HIV Prevention Access for Young Adults” (HD.1945/SD.2115): This bill would allow youth to access preventive health services, removing a significant barrier to critical care. (Lead sponsors: Sen. Julian Cyr and Rep. Jack Lewis)
“An Act relative to Massachusetts home care eligibility” (HD.1964/SD.1894): This bill would lower the age at which HIV survivors become eligible for Home Care services, extending needed care and support to people experiencing early-onset aging symptoms due to HIV. (Lead sponsors: Rep. Sarah Peake and Sen. Pat Jehlen)
Boston Spirit will be following the progress of each bill throughout the legislative year.
