Bad Night for Charlie Baker: Governor Booed Off Stage at LGBT Event

Boston, MA - As other states slam the door on transgender access to public facilities, Gov. Charlie Baker got a round of boos for hedging on his support for a bill that would open those doors wide in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts bill, which the Senate has pledged to take up, would prohibit discrimination against transgender people in public places, and protects the right to choose a restroom or other public facility that matches a person's sexual identity, regardless of anatomical sex.

State Attorney General Maura Healey is making a hard push for the bill with help from numerous celebrity and business voices. It comes as states like North Carolina seek laws that would restrict transgender individuals' access to public facilities.

• READ MORE: MA Transgender Bill: Big Names Endorsing Stalled Legislation

Meanwhile, Massachusetts' governor committed to neither passing nor vetoing the pending Massachusetts legislation. His trademark circumspection did not sit well with trans-rights advocates at a Spirit Magazine dinner Wednesday. Baker was shouted down and booed as he left the stage, with the audience shouting, "Trans rights now!"

A statement released by Baker's office reads:

"Governor Baker concluded his speech where he reiterated his belief that no one in Massachusetts should be discriminated against, praised attendees for their courage and urged the transgender community to continue to advocate for their beliefs. He supports the 2011 legislation that expanded protections to transgender individuals and looks forward to reviewing additional legislation should it reach his desk.”

The Boston Herald has video from Wednesday night's event here.

>> Photo from the Rappaport Center via Flicker / Creative Commons