Mass. Governor Says He'll Sign Transgender Protections Bill

Boston, MA - In the midst of national controversy over so-called "bathroom bills," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker told the Boston Globe Tuesday he will likely sign a bill protecting transgender individuals' access to restrooms, locker rooms and other public facilities of their choosing.

Baker has remained steadfastly ambiguous on the bill since its inception, at times infuriating supporters while heartening those who would rather see the legislation die. A moderate Republican in a deep blue state, this isn't the first time Baker has broken from the party line. It is, however, an especially notable difference, given the tenor of national conversation on this and similar issues.

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The bill prohibits 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.

In an interview with the Globe Tuesday, Baker said:

“We’ve certainly listened to a variety of points of view from many sides and have said, from the beginning, that we don’t want people to be discriminated against.

“If the House bill were to pass in its current form, yeah, I would sign it.”

You can read the full story from The Boston Globe here.

Patch took a look at the legislation last week, including its prospects ahead in the House. Read that story here. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday.

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>> Photo via Suffolk University Law School, Flickr/Creative Commons