Opponents to seek repeal of Massachusetts transgender rights law

Boston (AP) — An organization that opposes the state's new transgender anti-discrimination law says it will attempt to repeal that measure on the 2018 state ballot.

The Massachusetts Family Institute said in a statement that it has filed a petition with the secretary of state and plans to begin gathering signatures.

By law, the group has less than three months to collect signatures from at least 32,375 registered voters to place a question seeking repeal of the law before Massachusetts voters on the 2018 ballot.

Kasey Suffredini, co-chair of the group Freedom Massachusetts, dismissed the effort Tuesday as "a last-ditch attempt by a radical right-wing fringe group," noting the bill passed with bipartisan support.

The law that takes effect on Oct. 1 bars discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations, including restrooms.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – July 19, 2016 @ 11 a.m.