Public Accommodations Law Purview, Rights & Obligations: The Right to Be Free of Discrimination for Protected Categories in Places of Public Accommodation Across the Commonwealth

Individuals are protected from discrimination by places of public accommodation by both federal and Massachusetts laws, including Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272. Protected categories include, but are not limited to, race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, and sexual orientation. Individuals may not be treated differently or denied full and equal enjoyment of a place of public accommodation because of their membership in a protected category. Remedies for violation of the law include injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorneys’ fees. Learn how public accommodations law may apply to your next case.