WILL YOU TESTIFY?
Speak out in support of sex-based rights, registration deadline 3/21
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) will be holding a hybrid public hearing on March 28th at 5:30pm.
Their announcement reads (emphasis added):
We want to hear from you! Join the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for a hybrid event focusing on issues affecting women and girls in the Commonwealth.
We’re seeking registrants to give testimony on issues facing women, children, and families. Your input on issues that matter to you directly informs the MCSW legislative agenda and policy priorities. Join us and make your voice heard!
The event is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Residents, legislators, and other community stakeholders from Worcester, Franklin, and Upper Middlesex counties and across the Commonwealth are invited to attend, and testimony is open to any member of the public including elected officials. We’re asking anyone interested in issues that impact women, children, and families to share their experiences, to learn from one another, and create change, together. Register by Thursday, March 21, 2024. Accessibility accommodations cannot be guaranteed for those registering after the deadline.
Regardless of their official, or unofficial, position on women’s sex-based rights and child safeguarding, this is an opportunity to speak out, educate and show the public, MCSW and state legislators that there are thoughtful and well grounded arguments against the prioritization of gender identity over sex in Massachusetts law and policy which are not based on bigotry or hate. Whether you express concerns about privacy and safety, data collection, school policies, fairness in athletics or something else - all our voices together will demonstrate the need for dialogue and civil discourse. And honestly, can you think of anything better to do in honor of women’s history month?
Testimony can be given in person or virtually. And for those of us concerned with maintaining privacy, the registration page says:
We understand that some issues are sensitive in nature, if you would like to opt out of photo or video recording, please select an option below. If you have questions or concerns please send an email to Shalaya.West@mass.gov.
For information on how to testify please see The MCSW Needs Your Voice: How to Testify!
The registration deadline is March 21st. If you would like to coordinate your testimony with other readers of MA 4 Women please contact us at ma4women@proton.me.
This quote from the Women's Commission gives a clue on how they stand politically on "gender identity", though what "gender identity at birth" means, is anyones guess:
"The Commission represents and recognizes all women, regardless of their age, race, color, creed, abilities, language, socio-economic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity at birth." They could certainly use some of us speaking out on women's rights/gender wrongs.
Speakers are allowed 3-5 minutes.