BOSTON (AP) — A new law anti-discrimination law protecting transgender individuals in Massachusetts is coming into force.

The Transgender Equal Rights Bill will take effect Sunday — just over seven months after Gov. Deval Patrick signed it into law.

The law adds gender identity to the state’s existing anti-discrimination laws as a protected category. Now, transgender Massachusetts residents will be protected against discrimination from employment, housing, public education as well as credit and lending.

Gender identity will also be added to the protected categories under the state’s hate crimes law.

Attorney General Martha Coakley called the law a “much needed update,” saying it will help ensure that transgender individuals feel secure at home, work and in their communities.

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