On March 4th, 200+ transgender people, our friends, families, partners and allies arrived at the Massachusetts Statehouse. The Judiciary Committee, a panel of powerful and serious state Senators and Representatives heard 9 hours of testimony in favor of the HB 1722. Attorneys spoke about how the bill had the full support of employment attorneys on management and labor sides. The committee heard from parents about their transgender children, transgender parents about their families, from community groups, from partners and from many persons of faith. They heard about hopes, fears, and joys. Rabbi Reinstein's voice spoke resoundingly about justice and Genesis. Reverend Michael Cooper and Reverend Cameron Patridge spoke about our connections to each other.
At any time, the chairs of the Committee could have ended hearings. Instead, they listened alert and patient until 11 at night. I am filled with hope for our chances for victory.
Founded in 2007, MTPC's Interfaith Coalition for Trans Equality (ICTE) connects trans people in Massachusetts with supportive faith community, empowers them to further the welcoming and inclusion process, and organizes the MA faith community in support of trans equality.
No comments:
Post a Comment