A new Massachusetts law goes into effect October 1st that protects the rights of transgender people in public places, like restaurants and movie theaters.
Under the law no one can be refused service and people can use a public bathroom consistent with their gender identity.
Some places are already in compliance, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with 32,000 people on campus.
Spokesperson Edward Blaguszewski said people can choose restrooms marked ‘Men’ or ‘Women’ — or one of the 200 bathrooms on campus that accommodate one person and are gender-neutral. More bathrooms like this are being constructed on campus.
“We think it’s important in a university community to provide a climate, an atmosphere, that welcomes people,” said Blaguszewski. “And makes them feel comfortable as a member of our community.”
Massachusetts is one of 18 states that have public accommodation laws that ban discrimination based on gender identity, according to the ACLU.