Transgender people are celebrating a new state law that prohibits discrimination against them in employment, housing, insurance and credit.
Gov. Deval Patrick told a crowded Statehouse ceremony on Thursday that he was happy to approve the bill as a “matter of conscience’’ and to protect the rights and dignity of an estimated 33,000 transgender citizens in Massachusetts.
The measure, approved by lawmakers in November, also extends the state’s hate crime laws to cover transgender people.
Attorney General Martha Coakley said her office was ready to enforce the new law, adding that she hopes it won’t often be necessary.
