Rep. Kennedy To Testify On Transgender Protection Bills

U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy is among those planning to testify at a public hearing on a pair of bills that would extend non-discrimination protections to transgender individuals in public spaces in Massachusetts.

Kennedy and other supporters of the bills want to expand a 2011 state law protecting transgender people from discrimination in the workplace and housing by adding ``gender identity'' to the state's civil rights laws.

Advocates say it's time to broaden the law to include protections for transgender people in public places like hospitals, malls, restaurants, parks and government offices.

Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday that nobody should face discrimination, but added ``the devil's always in the details with respect to this sort of thing.''

The hearing before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee is scheduled for Tuesday at the Statehouse. (Associated Press)