Massachusetts has long been a leader in civil rights, and I am committed to continuing that tradition. Social justice is not legislative area, but a lens through which I analyze every bill. From climate justice to police reform, we must assess how every policy action (or inaction) disproportionately affects more marginalized communities in our Commonwealth.

 

I have led the charge on civil rights protections that are still absent from our Commonwealth's law books, including anti-discrimination protections for people experiencing homelessness, making body size discrimination unlawful, protections against sexual and identity-based harassment on Beacon Hill, and removing needless barriers to adoption for same-sex couples. With the MCI-Norfolk prison located within my district, I will always fight for access to medical care and better prison conditions for my incarcerated constituents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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During my first term in office, I spoke on the Senate floor in favor of comprehensive police reform, particularly banning the use of tear gas and rolling back qualified immunity, a legal doctrine whose original purpose has been eroded by courts over time and now restricts accountability for egregious misconduct by bad actors in law enforcement.

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Everyone – regardless of race, gender, income, age, ability, creed, nationality, or sexuality – deserves civil rights, clean air and water, safety, dignity, and equal opportunity. There is still much work to do in pursuit of justice and equity, and I pledge to remain all in.
 

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LEAD-SPONSORED LEGISLATION   

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• S.655           An Act advancing water access equity through utility reporting requirements

• S.1246         An Act to add sex and gender as protected classes for crime prosecutions

• S.1247         An Act criminalizing sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator

• S.1248         An Act codifying organizational standing to protect and promote civil rights

• S.1249         An Act prohibiting body size discrimination

• S.1251         An Act repealing the criminalization of blasphemy

• S.1758         An Act banning the use of tear gas against civilians