The landmark legislation, which will modernize Massachusetts’ outdated parentage laws to better protect families, heads to Governor Healey’s desk for signature
Boston, MA — Following more than seven years of advocacy, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate enacted the bipartisan Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA), a historic piece of legislation that will ensure legal parentage equality by providing clear, comprehensive, consistent, and accessible avenues to establish legal parentage for families in the Commonwealth. After passing unanimously in both the House and Senate, the bill heads to Governor Healey’s desk for signature. The Governor has stated strong support for the bill.
“Waking up to this news in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where Family Equality and COLAGE are hosting the 30th annual Family Week, feels nothing short of magical,” said Meg York, Director of LGBTQ+ Family Law and Policy, Senior Policy Counsel. “Here, at the largest annual gathering of LGBTQ+ families in the world, hundreds of families joyfully and fearlessly walk hand-in-hand down Commercial Street. These families matter. And with this hard-earned victory, they — and countless future generations of families in the Commonwealth — will be recognized and protected under Massachusetts law. Thank you to the Massachusetts legislators, especially the bill co-sponsors and the leaders of the House and Senate, for taking action to ensure that all children have the basic protections that legal parentage provides; and thank you to the many advocates who have worked tirelessly for several years to make this happen. We look forward to Governor Healey signing the MPA into law so Massachusetts can ensure security for all children and families.”
Family Equality is one of 60 organizations involved in the Massachusetts Parentage Act Coalition. Learn more about the Massachusetts Parentage Act.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
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