Massachusetts

Post by **DonnaT** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:22 pm

Governor Deval Patrick has signed an executive order that would ban discrimination against transgender employees in Massachusetts state government.

http://therainbowtimesmass.com/2011/021 ... order.html

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:44 pm

may I welcome Massachusetts to civilization

Good on Gov. Patrick

April Rose · Post by **April Rose** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 11:20 pm

I knew there was a reason why I voted for that guy!

Carolynn · Post by **Carolynn** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 5:35 pm

Sadly, executive orders, at either the federal or state level, may be reversed with the stroke of a pen in a different hand. When governments change, they often do exactly that. Executive orders are used to sorta pay back supporters when the politico knows he would not be able to get it passed as a law. Doesn't carry the same wieght as a law, and so is not worth nearly so much. The intent is nice though, and for a new governor to reverse the earlier executive order could give him or her a serious public relations problem.

Carolynn

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:47 am

While it's true, executive orders can be changed, the thing that makes me happy is that one was started in the first place. It means that people are recognizing the fact that a change needs to be made. Gender Equality, through awareness and education is the goal...is it not?
Kudos to Patrick for his acknowledgement of that fact.

Hugs,
Kyra

Jodie Wexler · Post by **Jodie Wexler** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:33 am

I wonder why he did not do it in his first term? Better late than never I guess but great news none the less.

Jodie