Massachusetts takes civil rights seriously. Whether you’re at work, looking for a place to live, or just going about your daily life, both state and federal laws protect you from discrimination and unfair treatment.
What Rights Are Protected?
The state’s laws, especially the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act (MCRA), shield you from discrimination based on who you are. This includes you:
- Race or color
- Religious beliefs
- National origin or ancestry
- Sex (including if you’re pregnant or your gender identity)
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disabilities
- Genetic information
- Marital status
- Military service
- And more
Where Do These Protections Apply?
At Work
Under Chapter 151B of state law, employers can’t discriminate against you in hiring, firing, promotions, or any other job-related decisions.
Housing
Looking for a place to live? The Fair Housing Act ensures you can’t be denied housing based on protected characteristics.
Public Places
Restaurants, stores, and other public spaces must serve everyone equally – it’s the law under Chapter 272, Section 98.
Your Right to Vote and Speak Up
Every eligible citizen can vote – that’s guaranteed by both state election laws and the federal Voting Rights Act. You also have the right to speak your mind and gather peacefully with others, thanks to both the state constitution and the First Amendment.
Protecting Against Harassment and Hate
The law takes a strong stance against hate crimes and harassment. If someone tries to intimidate you or interfere with your rights through threats or coercion, the MCRA has your back. Hate crimes carry extra penalties when they’re motivated by bias.
Education for All
Schools must provide equal opportunities to everyone. This includes accommodating disabilities and preventing discrimination based on sex (thanks to Title IX) or other protected characteristics.
Special Protections
Disability Rights
If you have a disability, both federal (ADA) and state laws ensure you can:
- Access public spaces
- Get reasonable accommodations at work
- Find suitable housing
LGBTQ+ Community
Massachusetts leads in LGBTQ+ protections, covering:
- Protection from discrimination
- Access to healthcare
- Use of public facilities
Immigrant Rights
Your immigration status doesn’t affect your basic civil rights. Many Massachusetts cities have additional protections for immigrants.
What If Your Rights Are Violated?
File a Complaint
Your main options are:
- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) for discrimination cases
- Attorney General’s office for civil rights violations
- Local police or the Hate Crimes Task Force for hate crimes
Get Help
Contact a civil rights lawyer
Reach out to the ACLU of Massachusetts
Consult with advocacy groups
Key Agencies
MCAD: Handles discrimination complaints
Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division: Enforces civil rights laws
ACLU of Massachusetts: Advocates for civil liberties
Your Right to Information
You can request public records from state agencies under the Public Records Law. This transparency helps ensure accountability and fairness.
Remember: Understanding these rights is crucial. If something feels wrong, speak up – the law is on your side. Massachusetts has built a strong framework to protect civil rights, but these protections only work when people know about them and use them.
