A Historic Public Hearing: Judiciary Committee Considers H1722

The Judiciary Committee held a historic public hearing on H1722 on March 4th. Hundreds of trans activists and allies filled the room to capacity -- and then some -- at a hearing that went well into the night.

We made our point loud and clear: in addition to hearing representatives from the transgender community tell their personal stories, committee members heard from elected officials -- including oral testimony from Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral and Boston City Council President Maureen Feeney and written testimony from Governor Deval Patrick, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Congressman Barney Frank, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and Northampton Mayor Clare Higgins -- as well as legal and medical experts, and leaders from numerous non-profit and advocacy organizations.

Governor, Attorney General Announce Support

H1722 received a big boost March 4th, when both Governor Deval Patrick and Attorney General Martha Coakley announced their strong support of the legislation. Prior to their endorsements, MassEquality Campaign Director Marc Solomon met with the Attorney General and key Patrick staff to advocate for the bill and ask for their support. The two add their names to a growing list of legislators and other elected officials committing their support to H1722.

MassEquality Field Team in Action

We know that one of the best ways to influence our legislators is to make sure they hear from their pro-equality constituents. Over the last few months, the MassEquality Field Team has gone to work, activating our statewide grassroots network in support of H1722.

We've crisscrossed the state, organizing nine Community Forums for activists to learn about the new Equality Agenda and how they can take action. We've helped set up almost two dozen meetings between key legislators and their constituents.

And in just one week, MassEquality members generated over 700 emails to their legislators on behalf of H1722.

Moving the Bill Forward on Beacon Hill

Advancing legislation on Beacon Hill requires one more thing: access. Over the past few years, MassEquality has developed strong relationships with many legislators, and we're taking the power and connections we've built and using them to help move H1722 forward.

MassEquality Campaign Director Marc Solomon and Political Director Matt McTighe have held a number of key meetings with members of legislative leadership and the Judiciary Committee to advocate for the bill. In addition, we've also recently contracted with two of the most respected and seasoned lobbyists in Massachusetts to help lead the day-to-day lobbying efforts on behalf of H1722 and the rest of the Equality Agenda.