MA Transgender Bill: Big Names Endorsing Stalled Legislation

Boston, MA - TV personality Caitlyn Jenner, soccer legend Abby Wambach, Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, and others added their voices Thursday in support of a Massachusetts transgender anti-discrimination bill lawmakers held back in committee this week.

The bill would prohibit discrimination against transgender people in public places, and protects the right to choose a restroom or other public facility that matches their sexual identity, regardless of anatomical sex.

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Lawmakers hit the pause button on it Wednesday, however, holding the bill back in committee. Although both houses of the legislature appear to have the votes to pass the legislation, it's unclear whether Gov. Charlie Baker will sign off on it. He has previously said that decision depends on the final details of the bill.

Advocate Maura Healey, the state's attorney general, took the fight to Twitter Thursday. Using the rallying hashtag "#EveryoneWelcome," she shared videos of support from Jenner, Wambach and more.

The Celtics and Bruins organizations, as well as the Red Sox and New England Patriots, previously endorsed the bill, and were joined Monday by the state's largest teachers unions.

The Judiciary Committee has until May 2 to act on the bill.