Newton Officials Approve Nondiscrimination Protections for Transgender People

Newton this week became the ninth community in the state to approve nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals.

Aldermen on Monday approved the measure Monday by an unanimous vote. It will prohibit discrimination toward transgender people in areas like housing.

“Newton has long been known as a bastion of progress and equality,” said Mason Dunn, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MATERC), in a statement. “As we move forward in advocating for statewide protections for transgender and gender nonconforming people, we are proud to have Newton in our corner as an ally and supporter for equality. Towns like Newton have undoubtedly contributed to Massachusetts’ reputation as a trailblazer in progressivism.”

According to MATERC, the following communities have approved protections for transgender individuals:

• Brookline
• Boston
• Cambridge
• Northampton
• Somerville
• Amherst
• Salem
• Worcester

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