(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Dear Editor,

I’m writing to urge Somerville voters to vote Yes on 3, to keep in place Massachusetts’ public accommodations law. This law is about treating our transgender neighbors and community members fairly.

Many of us have a part of our identity that make others look at us differently – our religion, politics, sexuality, or culture. Most people know how it feels to be bullied or excluded, and transgender people want privacy and dignity just like everyone else. Just as it’s wrong to exclude people based on what they believe, it’s wrong to discriminate against transgender people for who they are.

The current law protects trans people against discrimination in public spaces. That means the transgender child bullied severely in a suburban public school can hold school administration accountable for its inaction. It means the transgender woman rejected from the hospital when she checked herself in for feeling suicidal cannot legally be refused treatment again. These are true stories, and we should commend our legislature and governor for acting to fight these injustices.

This law doesn’t weaken regulations against crime – it gives transgender people legal protections against discrimination based on their identity. Everyone, including transgender people, wants to be safe, and by working together we can fight behavior that is predatory towards trans people, children, women and girls. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association endorses Yes on 3, because they know our laws make everyone safer.

Please vote Yes on 3 in November to uphold fairness, justice, and dignity for our fellow community members who are transgender.

Sincerely,

Celine Lessard
Somerville