Massachusetts Civil Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed November 12, 2018
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Civil rights are the rights of individuals to be treated as equals under the law, which includes freedom from discrimination in employment. Most civil rights laws are federal, including those encoded in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but states sometimes extend extra protections. Massachusetts law, for instance, recognizes transgender individuals as a protected class; discrimination against people on the basis of gender identity or gender expression is prohibited.
Massachusetts Civil Rights Laws at a Glance
Below you'll find Massachusetts-specific laws on civil rights in various different contexts, including whether private civil rights actions are permitted, applicable statutes of limitations, and pertinent code provisions. Click on the links below for state-specific civil rights laws and visit the What Are Rights? article for more information.
| Code Section | Ch. 151B §1, et seq. (Generally); Ch. 272 §§92A, 98 (Public Accommodations) |
| Agency | Generally: Commission Against Discrimination; Public Accommodations: None |
| Administrative Preemption | Generally: Yes; Public Accommodations: No |
| Private Action Permitted? | Generally: No; Public Accommodations: Yes |
| Attorney Fees Recoverable by Plaintiff? | Generally: Yes; Public Accommodations: No |
| Statute of Limitations | Generally: 300 days; Civil Rights Actions: 3 yrs.-civil action (Ch. 260 §5B) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Related Resources for Civil Rights Laws:
Questions About Your Civil Rights in Massachusetts? Get Answers From a Lawyer Today
Whether you're in Massachusetts or any other state, you're entitled to certain basic civil rights which are protected by law. If you think you're rights have been violated by another person, company or official, it's important to take action both to stop the violations and to remedy the harm you've experienced. Get started today by reaching out to an experienced civil rights attorney in Massachusetts who can investigate your case and lay out a path forward.