Newton-Needham Chamber Adds Support to Transgender Anti-Discrimination Bill

NEWTON, MA - The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber is the latest name on a growing list of businesses and organizations asking legislators to approve a bill prohibiting discrimination against transgender people.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the Chamber's board of directors approved the decision to add its name to a letter calling for action on the stalled legislation.

The letter has been signed by Google, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, among other organizations in the Bay State, according to a press release.

A number of prominent figures in Massachusetts, including Celtics owner Steve Pagliuca and Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, have also endorsed the bill, which would prohibit discrimination against transgender people in public places and protect the right to choose a restroom or other public facility that matches their sexual identity, regardless of anatomical sex.

In March the bill hit a snare as lawmakers held it back in committee. Though both legislative houses appear to have the votes to pass it, Gov. Charlie Baker has the final word before it becomes law.

He has previously stated that his decision will depend on the final details of the bill.

The Judiciary Committee must act on the bill before May 2.