MA H1653

Prohibits employers, including state and local governments, from disciplining or discharging employees for exercising First Amendment rights, provided the activity does not substantially interfere with job performance or the working relationship

Allows employees to refuse to attend employer-sponsored meetings or view communications whose primary purpose is to convey the employer's opinions on political or religious matters without facing retaliation

Defines "political matters" to include elections, political parties, legislative and regulatory proposals, and decisions to join political, civic, community, fraternal, or labor organizations; "religious matters" includes religious affiliation, practice, and organizational membership

Establishes employer liability for damages including punitive damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and full gross loss of wages for violations

Exempts legally required communications, job-necessary information, higher education academic activities, voluntary casual conversations, requirements for managerial/supervisory employees, and religious organizations exempt from Title VII with respect to religious speech to employees performing work connected to religious activities