Coalition Calls on Passage of Mass Parentage Act
Following Michigan Governor's Action Today
BOSTON - The coalition working for the passage of the Massachusetts Parentage Act today called on the Massachusetts legislature to advance the bipartisan bill that would, among other things, protect LGBTQ families in forming the legal bond of a parent-child relationship. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed a similar piece of legislation into law. Massachusetts is the only New England state without the protections.
"Let's go, Massachusetts! We've been proud to be a national leader and trailblazer when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality, but we've got some catching up to do," said Governor Maura Healey. "Let's pass the Massachusetts Parentage Act to make sure every family has the legal protections they need and deserve."
"Our state parental laws have not kept pace with the diversity of modern-day families, and as other states take the necessary steps to protect families, provide stability for children and advance reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, it is clear it is well past the time for us to act and pass the Massachusetts Parentage Act," said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
"The action taken by Michigan Governor Whitmer today is a potent reminder of what strengthening families should look like in 2024 and it should serve as an inspiration to Massachusetts," said Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. "The Massachusetts Parentage Act, currently making its way through the legislature, is needed to fill gaps in our laws that leave some children vulnerable and to ensure all families, no matter how they are formed, have the legal security they deserve. We hope to see this bill passed into law this session so that Massachusetts can stand proud as a state that recognizes and protects the dignity and worth of all children and families."
The Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA, H.1713/S.947) is currently being considered in the Joint Committee of the Judiciary. The legislation updates Massachusetts statutes to clarify who can be a parent and how to establish parentage. This bill is critical to ensuring that all children can access the security of legal parentage, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. The bill's bipartisan sponsors include Democrat Senator Julian Cyr, Republican Senator Bruce Tarr, Democrat Representative Sarah Peake, and Republican Representative Hannah Kane.