617-807-0949 |matt@barisonlaw.com

LGBT Rights

15 11, 2022

Trouble in P-aradise…

By |2025-09-26T03:00:35+00:00November 15, 2022|Court System, Criminal Justice, LGBT Rights|

P-town

What do you think of when you think of P-town?  Beautiful sunsets… tea dance… shopping… partying… food… a welcoming environment… all of the above??  Provincetown, MA is a special place for many people, especially members of the LGBTQ community.  Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, P-town has been an oasis for our community for decades.  Each summer, thousands upon thousands of tourists arrive, via car, ferry, plane, or seaplane (!) to live it up in this one of a kind destination.  With a year round population of about 3,000, the summer population can swell to 60,000.  Things can get pretty packed.

So why is a lawyer writing about P-town?  Well, it’s that “living it up” part I just mentioned.  As a criminal defense attorney, [Read More…]

21 10, 2020

Statement re. Amy Coney Barrett

By |2025-09-26T03:00:36+00:00October 21, 2020|Constitutional Law, Court System, Discrimination, LGBT Rights, Same Sex Marriage|

I am proud to have drafted this statement for the Mass. LGBTQ Bar Association, and for the editing and votes of support by the Board!

– – – – –

As members of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, we write to voice our vehement opposition to the nomination and arbitrary confirmation process of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Since its founding in 1985, the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association has worked to promote the advancement of the LGBTQ+ legal community throughout the state. Our organization does so in a variety of ways, including promoting the fair and just treatment of the LGBTQ+ community under law, collaborating with other affinity bar associations to advocate for underrepresented communities, [Read More…]

14 11, 2016

Ready to Fight for You

By |2020-11-01T17:37:58+00:00November 14, 2016|Discrimination, LGBT Rights, Race, Same Sex Marriage|

The election of Donald Trump has caused a great deal of concern amongst those who may be impacted by his policies. Fortunately, for those of us in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth has strong anti-discrimination laws that will remain in effect regardless of changes to Federal laws. If you are being harassed based on your minority status (race, age, sex, disability, national origin, sexual orientation) please don’t hesitate to contact me. Additionally, if you are in a same-sex partnership with a child, now is a good time to apply for a second parent adoption to secure your parental rights in less progressive states.

Contact me at: 617-807-0949 or matt@barisonlaw.com

26 3, 2015

Personal Liberties & Ballot Initiatives: MA v. CA

By |2020-11-01T17:37:58+00:00March 26, 2015|Constitutional Law, LGBT Rights|

In many states, including Massachusetts, residents can legislate directly through the ballot initiative process. Recently, such proposals have included: expanding bottle deposits, repealing the casino law, and mandating paid employee sick leave.

In MA, the process for bringing forth such petitions is detailed in Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution. First, the proposal must have the support of ten voters. Then, the Attorney General must review the proposal to make sure it does not touch upon “excluded matters,” which themselves are enumerated in the MA Constitution. For instance, ballot measures regarding religion, religious practices, or the appointment of judges are strictly prohibited.

The Massachusetts Constitution also prohibits ballot petitions that infringe on personal liberties. Such liberties [Read More…]

23 6, 2014

Obama Administration Quietly Advances Transgender Rights

By |2020-11-01T17:38:15+00:00June 23, 2014|LGBT Rights|

‘It’s quiet by design, because the louder you are in Washington, the more the drama.”

Ever since “coming out” in support of same-sex marriage in May of 2012, President Obama has been working behind-the-scenes to advance the rights of transgender Americans. The administration has expanded the reach of hate crimes legislation, increased access to health care and strengthened public accommodation laws.

This change has come solely from the Executive branch, as Congress continues its reign of dysfunction. Nonetheless, these developments represent a sea change that bodes well for other efforts, such as those here in Massachusetts. (See http://www.masstpc.org/take-action/current-legislation/2013-public-accommodations-bill/)

Source:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/06/21/without-fanfare-obama-advances-transgender-rights/I6fcinOgtkDCxVhlZF8eCJ/story.html

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