Sheila Harrington

Sheila Harrington was born in Salem, Massachusetts and grew up in Danvers, Massachusetts. She attended high school in Peabody at Bishop Fenwick High School[2] She then attended Providence College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1982. Following college, she attended the New England School of Law and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1986.[2][3]

Sheila has been a practicing attorney in Massachusetts for over 30 years. She continues to have a law practice in Groton, Massachusetts along with two other attorneys.

One of Harrington's most notable positions is her stance on Transgender rights. In an op-ed from the Lowell Sun she wrote, how after "passionately protesting a bill on the Massachusetts House Floor", she came to realize, that was wrong in her own mind.

Saying, "As a member of the Legislature, and a member of the Judiciary Committee, it has been my job to attend hearings and to listen, understand, look at the facts, and refuse to give in to fear or vague speculation as to what could happen. I examined this debate with a more open and honest heart and mind during the hearings that followed my speech six years ago. I listened to law enforcement who offered their professional advice that transgender protections lead to virtually no increase in public safety incidents. I listened to parents who told heartbreaking stories of the hardships their transgender children had faced. I listened to transgender men and women who have faced harassment simply for being who they are. I tried to put myself in their shoes.

I also listened to opponents. However, they did not testify from personal experience or data. Their opposition was overwhelmingly based upon speculation as to the issues we might encounter if this bill passes. Their opposition was rooted in what could happen, not what has happened. Their opposition stemmed from myths, stereotypes, and misconceptions about who transgender people are and what this law would do. Now, we have seen in the past year that their speculation was wrong. This law has only made Massachusetts a stronger, more welcoming place for all.

I have been well aware of the arguments made against transgender rights, because I once made them myself. But I also know now that they are wrong.

Many people have said that they could not support the transgender bill because of their faith. I have been raised as in the Roman Catholic faith all my life. I went to 16 years of Catholic school, including four years at Providence College. I do not purport to be a religious scholar or an expert on the Bible, but there are a few things that I have certainly taken from my faith. I believe God told us to “Love one another as I have loved you!” and he didn’t add, 'unless they are transgender.' Nor did he say, 'Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me … unless they are transgender.' I now support transgender protections fully because of my faith, not in spite of it!"[4]

"Transgender equality is not about a new or special privilege. It is about preventing discrimination, plain and simple. We must have the courage to do what we believe is right. I was wrong six years ago. I’m proud to have done my part last year to make Massachusetts a better, more equal, fairer state for everyone, and I will vote in 2018 to continue treating transgender people fairly and equally."[4]

• 2019–2020 Massachusetts legislature
• 2021–2022 Massachusetts legislature