Civil Rights

Civil rights law in Massachusetts is comprehensive, aiming to protect individuals from discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law, primarily through the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act (MCRA), codified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 12, Sections 11H and 11J. This key legislation prohibits interference with civil rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion, authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions for injunctive relief, and establishes the right to bias-free policing. Massachusetts law further prohibits discrimination based on various protected categories, including race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, and receipt of public assistance. Civil rights protections extend across multiple domains, including employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. Enforcement is carried out by two primary agencies: the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), which investigates discrimination cases, and the Attorney General's Civil Rights Division, which enforces the MCRA and reviews relevant policies and legislation. Additional protections are provided by the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act (MERA) and specific laws addressing wage discrimination based on sex and protecting pregnant workers. Overall, civil rights law in Massachusetts is dynamic and continually evolving to meet new challenges and ensure equal protection for all residents and visitors to the Commonwealth.