Civil Rights Legislation

Gays and lesbians have faced discrimination in military service, employment, housing, civil protections, state services, public accommodations, health care, social and religious groups, and courts. In the absence of federal legislation prohibiting discrimination against the gay and lesbian community, thirteen states have introduced favorable legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 1989, Massachusetts became the second state to pass a gay and lesbian civil rights bill. Unfortunately, this law has been subject to attack. For example, the organization Citizens for Family First proposed a referendum to repeal the bill in 1990, but the referendum failed.

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Gallery:

Barney Frank State Representative for Ward 5
Frank, Barney
Liberation can't be repealed
The Gay and Lesbian Labor Activists Network
Will November 6, 1990 be the day Lesbians and Gay Men lose their rights?
University of Massachusetts Amherst: Program for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Concerns
Your Choice, Your Voice for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights
Greater Boston Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance
Dear friend of the alliance
Greater Boston Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance
Urgent action alert: Call your state representative today
Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus
Buddies Bulletin: Gay and Lesbian Rights Law
Buddies Bulletin
Action Alert: The Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights
The Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights
Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth: Recommendations on the support and safety of gay and lesbian students
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education
Survey finds that more than 8 in 10 Massachusetts gay men and lesbians have been victims of anti-gay violence, harrassment or discrimination
Fenway Community Health Center
Alliance to Announce 10-Point Plan for Combatting Gaybashings
Greater Boston Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance
Countering Hate Violence Against Gay Men and Lesbians in Boston: The Ten Point Plan: A Proposed Action Program for Boston City Government and Police
Greater Boston Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance