Gov. Baker Says He Would Sign Transgender Anti-Discrimination Bill
BOSTON (CBS) — Gov. Charlie Baker says he would sign the bill banning discrimination of transgender people from public accommodations if it were to pass.
The legislation, approved by the Senate and currently under consideration by the House, would allow transgender people access to public facilities including use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.
"We should be publicly accommodating, and we shouldn't discriminate against people," Baker said.
"I do believe that the elements of the House bill that create what I would describe as tasks and responsibilities for the MCAD and the Attorney General's office are important here," he said.
Dissenters say the bill would allow for sexual predators to abuse the law by claiming they are the opposite gender.
Baker said he came out against a similar bill that was introduced five years ago because it did not address provisions to prevent abuse.
"The previous legislation was completely silent on this issue, so there was nothing in there to provide any guidance around this stuff, and I think for public safety concerns that some people have raised, that's an important element," Baker told WBZ-TV.