With the Massachusetts primaries behind us, all eyes turn to the general election on November 6. And Yes on 3: Freedom for All Massachusetts is fighting to ensure that voters uphold our state’s public accommodations protections for transgender people on Election Day.
The Yes on 3 coalition—made up of 1,250+ businesses, non-profits, colleges & universities, public officials, faith leaders, law enforcement, labor unions, sports teams, and domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy organizations—is working hard to defend the non-discrimination law signed by Governor Charlie Baker in 2016. The law includes gender identity in the list of prohibited grounds for discrimination in places of public accommodation, protecting the rights of transgender people in public places such as retail stores, restaurants, hotels, parks, theaters, public transit, public restrooms, and medical offices.
On Election Day, Question 3 will ask voters if they approve of the state’s existing non-discrimination law. A YES vote upholds the important protections afforded by the current law.
These last few months before the election will be key in spreading the word and making sure that voters understand the ballot question and the issues at stake. The Yes on 3 coalition has been ramping up its efforts, opening three new campaign offices in Boston, Worcester, and Holyoke and hosting public education canvasses and phone banks almost every day of the week. In this crucial moment, we need your support to make sure that Massachusetts remains on the path towards equality, inclusion, and justice for all!
Here are some ways you can help:
- Sunday, September 16: Attend the 50 Days to Election Day Rally in Copley Square to show your support for Yes on 3!
- Saturday, September 22: Volunteer at the Lawyers “Super Canvass” in Quincy to engage voters around the issue and show that the legal community stands for equal rights.
- Check out the campaign’s Action Calendar to find additional volunteer opportunities.
- Spread the word: Tell your friends and family why you’re voting YES on 3!
(If you need some talking points, check out Yes on 3’s Learn More and Mythbuster pages.)
The Boston Bar will honor Yes on 3: Freedom for All Massachusetts with the Empowerment Award at our Beacon Award celebration on Thursday, December 6. We hope to see you there to recognize the important work of this coalition in fighting for equality!
—Hannah Poor
Access to Justice & Community Outreach Programs Manager
Boston Bar Association
