Nation IN BRIEF : MASSACHUSETTS : Gay Rights Measure Sent to Dukakis

The Legislature passed a sweeping civil rights bill for homosexuals that will be the second such state law in the nation. The ban on discrimination against gay men and women in housing, employment, credit, insurance and public accommodations cleared the state Senate, 21 to 9, and Gov. Michael S. Dukakis has said he will sign it. Conservative senators who opposed the bill promised to put the issue to voters in a repeal referendum. The two acknowledged homosexuals in Congress, Reps. Gerry E. Studds and Barney Frank, both Democrats, are from Massachusetts.