Gov. Baker Exits Stage Right

 photo Baker_zps6uj4lp13.jpg

Gov. Charlie Baker was mysteriously chosen as the keynote speaker at a networking event hosted by Boston Spirit Magazine last night in Boston.

Yet when the Republican took the stage, he was confronted by signs and chants from demonstrators urging him to support a transgender anti-discrimination bill, which has been a hot topic of late for the Massachusetts governor.

Despite pleas from his audience, Gov. Charlie remained steadfast:

I will make sure I talk to all parties involved before we make any decision.

Presumably that includes Massachusetts Family Institute, which promotes hatred against transgender people.

According to The Boston Globe, the abrupt departure came 20 minutes into the governor’s “highly anticipated speech.” Earlier in the evening, according to the Globe, organizers had said Baker, who has refused to say whether or not he would sign the bill, would stay after his speech to mingle.

So Gov. Charlie will talk to all parties involved...except, apparently, the people most affected by the bill.

Governor Baker concluded his speech where he reiterated his belief that no one in Massachusetts should be discriminated against, praised attendees for their courage and urged the transgender community to continue to advocate for their beliefs.

--Lizzy Guyton, press secretary

A week ago Baker was disinvited by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce from an April 26 event in which he was to be honored along with Rep. Joe Kennedy III because Kennedy refused to appear along side him because of Baker's refusal to support a ban on discrimination against trans people in public accommodations.

Baker sought to drive a wedge in response:

I am disappointed that some are putting partisan politics ahead of the sound public policy of treating gay and lesbian business owners with dignity and respect.

Speaking to reporters after the address last night:

Baker told reporters he told them the importance of advocates telling "their stories" and communicating with public officials.

Obviously, in the end, that wasn't quite what folks wanted to hear.

And I respect that. It's an emotional issue.

--Gov. Baker

One of the most politically tone-deaf speeches I’ve ever heard.

Forget trans people, this is an LGBT event and he barely even mentioned LGB issues, never mind the public access issue. He talked about the MBTA, he talked about his success with the opioid issues, which are all very important issues for him to be working on, but they are not necessarily relevant to this room full of rainbow flags. His silence to us is a de facto promise that he will veto. I hoped to be a Gov. Baker fan. I wanted to be optimistic.

--Lorelei Erisis, transgender woman

Vote on the bill has been delayed by the desire to build a veto-proof majority in the legislature.

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Comments

What is wrong with Massatwoshits? A VETO proof majority? For discrimination in a blue state? Palm/face.

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Ya got to be a Spirit, cain't be no Ghost. . .

Explain Bldg #7. . . still waiting. . .

If you’ve ever wondered whether you would have complied in 1930’s Germany,
Now you know. . .
sign at protest march