Melrose Gets Ahead Of Question 3, Affirms Transgender Protections

MELROSE, MA — The Board of Aldermen on Thursday night affirmed Melrose's commitment to defend transgender equality protection ahead of a November ballot question threatening to repeal such protections across the Commonwealth.

The Board passed a resolution expressing its "commitment to defend transgender equality in Melrose and will hereby pledge to sign on to Freedom For All Massachusetts’ Yes on 3 Coalition to say clearly: Discrimination has no place in Massachusetts and no place in Melrose."

The resolution, put forth by Alderman at Large Manisha Bewtra, passed unanimously following public comment from several Melrose officials and residents, including the mother of a transgender boy in the school system.

A 'yes' vote on Question 3 would affirm what Gov. Charlie Baker signed into state law in July 2016, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity in public accommodations such as restrooms and locker rooms.

A 'no' vote in November would repeal that law.

A WBUR poll in May found that voters were in favor of preserving the law by a slim margin.

"Trans rights, at its core, are human rights," Liz DeSelm said. DeSelm, a Melrose School Committee member, is the city's first openly transgender person elected to public office.

"Melrose has been a frontrunner in protecting the rights of transgender and non-conforming gender individuals in our city," Human Rights Commission Chairman Adam LaFrance said.

>>>RELATED: Melrose Pride Night Something To Be Proud Of

"This law says to our friends and neighbors that transgender individuals and their families' civil rights are equal to us," Rep. Paul Brodeur of Melrose said.

Subscribe to Melrose Patch for more local news and real-time alerts, and ‘like us’ on Facebook for more conversation!

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the Melrose Patch Mayor? Apply here!

Got a local news tip? Email mike.carraggi@patch.com.

Read the full joint statement from the Melrose Commission on Women and the Melrose Human Rights Commission, read Thursday night by Human Rights Commission Chairman Adam LaFrance.

The members of the undersigned Melrose Commission on Women and the Melrose Human Rights Commission unanimously support transgender equality and urge you to adopt the “Resolution Reaffirming Current City of Melrose and Massachusetts Non-Discrimination Laws Prohibiting Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodations on the Basis of Gender Identity and Gender Expression” proposed by Alderman Bewtra.

As you are aware, there is an upcoming attempt to strip the protections already in place for transgender and other gender non-conforming individuals in Massachusetts by way of an upcoming ballot question in November. It is reported that opponents secured signatures of approximately less than 1% of the Commonwealth’s population to force this settled issue back onto the 2018 ballot for potential repeal.

By way of background, in 2016, Governor Charlie Baker signed a law which added gender identity to the list of reasons people cannot be discriminated against in public spaces. Although opponents have often focused on public bathrooms, the law prevents discrimination in all public accommodations, including hotels, stores, restaurants, parks, theaters, sports facilities, medical offices, and hospitals, among others. A prior law from 2007 already extended protections to employment, housing, credit, and higher education but not public accommodations.

Melrose has been a frontrunner in protecting the rights of transgender and non-conforming gender individuals in our city. Two years prior to even the state level enactment of these protections referenced above, the city of Melrose showed extraordinary leadership and commitment to equality and dignity for all when the Melrose Board of Aldermen included gender identity and gender expression in its Human Rights Policy statement; thus ensuring equal opportunity and protection from discrimination in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, city services, insurance, banking, credit, and healthcare in Melrose (December 14, 2014). The Melrose Public Schools also issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the rights of transgender students to a safe and affirming school environment after the US Departments of Education and Justice rescinded policies directing these agencies to treat a student’s gender identity as the student’s sex for the purposes of Title IX and its implementing regulations.

In the face of the approaching threat to repeal the laws which protect the dignity, rights and equality of transgender and non conforming gender individuals in our community, we ask that our city once again demonstrate leadership and its commitment to its motto "One Community, Open to All" by reiterating our commitment to protecting all members of our community. When we consider this issue, we must remember that transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in our state, city, and community are frequently confronted with discrimination and worse. Transgender individuals need these specific protections because they suffer pervasive discrimination and disproportionately high levels of crime. These laws are necessary to ensure that no one faces discrimination or violence based on their gender identity.

We appreciate your time and the attention needed to ensure a safe and just society for all Melrosians regardless of their gender identity. We stand united in support of the resolution referenced above proposed by Alderman Bewtra and ask that her resolution be passed by the full Board of Aldermen.

Photos by Mike Carraggi, Patch