Cambridge Expands Legal Protections - Recognizing Every Family, Every Relationship

What does it mean to belong in a City that values fairness and inclusion? In Cambridge, it means your family—whatever its shape—and your relationships are protected under the law. This year, the Cambridge City Council took a bold step forward, updating the Cambridge Municipal Code to add two new protected classes: family structure and relationship status. These changes ensure that discrimination based on how we form families or relationships has no place in housing, employment, education, or public accommodations.

Why It Matters

Protected classes safeguard people from discrimination tied to identity or lived experience. By adding family structure and relationship status, Cambridge acknowledges the reality that families today come in many forms—beyond the traditional nuclear model. These updates were inspired by similar protections in Somerville and shaped by powerful advocacy from Cambridge residents, who shared their stories and called for recognition of diverse relationships.

Under Ordinance No. 2023 8B, these protections now apply to both the Human Rights Ordinance and the Fair Housing Ordinance, enforced by the Cambridge Human Rights Commission.

What’s Protected

Family Structure: It is now illegal to discriminate against someone because of their family makeup—whether they are part of a consensual non-monogamous or multi-partner family, a multi-parent household, or a multi-generational family.

Relationship Status: Discrimination based on someone’s actual or perceived involvement—or lack of involvement—in an intimate relationship is prohibited. This includes relationships between two or more consenting adults that involve romantic, platonic, physical, or emotional intimacy.

These changes reflect Cambridge’s commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that everyone—regardless of how they define family or love—has equal access to housing, jobs, and public spaces.

Join the Movement

Want to do more? The New Protected Classes Working Group, formed by the Human Rights Commission, Commission on the Status of Women, and the LGBTQ+ Commission, is inviting community members to help publicize these protections and engage residents in meaningful conversations. The group’s mission is clear: advance Cambridge’s commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Meetings are open to the public, and standing members are welcome. To join, contact vcarr@cambridgema.gov.

Looking Ahead

By expanding local protections, Cambridge continues to lead with laws that are responsive, forward-thinking, and rooted in fairness. These changes aren’t just legal updates—they’re a statement of values: that every family and every relationship deserves dignity and respect.