By Alberto Suris
The City of Lawrence organized the third annual raising of the Pride flag on Tuesday, June 5 at 6 p.m. on the flagpole directly in front of City Hall on the Campagnone Common.
Members of the organizing group took turns reading the 49 names of the victims of Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on the night of June 12, 2016.
The organizers received proclamations from the Mayor of Lawrence, Daniel Rivera, State Senator Barbara L’Italien and Senator Elizabeth Warren, not in person but through Ana Morales, a campaign worker, as well as Niki Tsongas who sent hers with Wanda Ortiz.
Rainbow Alliance is facing another challenge. The Massachusetts Senate easily passed a bill (S.735) that would allow people to use public restrooms and changing rooms that correspond to their gender identity. The legislation was approved by 33 votes in favor and 4 against.
The measure now goes to the House, where it is expected to face more opposition, although it still happens.
A revised version of the bill adds a text that instructs the state attorney general’s office to issue a guide to prosecute any person who affirms gender identity with an improper purpose. The Massachusetts Gender Identity Discrimination Veto Referendum will be at the polls in Massachusetts as a veto referendum on November 6, 2018.
A “yes” vote supports upholding Senate Bill 2407, a bill to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in public places—such as hotels, restaurants, and stores.
A “no” vote opposes SB 2407 and repeals the law designed to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in public places—such as hotels, restaurants, and stores.
For that reason, Lesly Melendez, who acted as a Master of Ceremony, asked, begged, implored those present to vote yes. “I ask you as a mother, as a friend of all of you, and if you know my daughter, in her name too.”
