Massachusetts Governor booed off stage at LGBT event over trans bathroom bill (VIDEO)
The Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker has responded after being heckled off stage at an LGBT event last night.
Baker was heckled as he made an 18-minute speech at the event, which was cut short.
He was speaking at the Boston Spirit LGBT Executive Networking Night.
The Governor faces criticism for not fully coming out to support a bill in the state Senate, which seeks to increase protections for transgender people.
Supporters of the bill have expressed worry that, should Baker veto the bill, they would not be able to get enough votes to override it.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Baker said he does not support discrimination in any form, but that he does not indicate a position on pending legislation.
“It is an emotional issue and people have strong feelings about it, and I respect that,” said the Governor.
“As a general rule, we don’t take positions on legislation that is pending before the Legislature for a lot of reasons. I have made it very clear that I don’t believe we should discriminate against anybody in Massachusetts,” said Baker on Thursday.
“I’ve also made it very clear that we will take serious whatever legislation comes before us on this issue.”
The event was attended by over a thousand business leaders.
Baker left the stage early, and did not speak to attendees after leaving the stage.
Protesters held up signs in the front row, which said transgender people’s bathroom rights should be protected.
Others chanted “sign the bill”, to which he responded that he would “talk to all parties involved”, after the bill reaches his desk.
Check out the moment Baker was heckled off stage below:
