Gov. Baker responds after being heckled at LGBT event

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker says he respects the feelings of an LGBT group that booed him off a stage when he declined to commit to legislation that would expand protections for transgender people in public places.

Baker told reporters on Thursday that he opposes any form of discrimination but again refused to say if he'd sign the bill if it reached his desk. He said he doesn't, as a general rule, take positions on bills pending before lawmakers.

The Republican ended a speech early Wednesday night after being heckled by the audience at the Boston Spirit LGBT Executive Networking Night.

Baker said he was invited by the group to speak about a first-in-the-nation program to assist gay and lesbian-owned businesses seeking state contracts. He also noted his support for gay marriage.

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The Gayly - 4/14/2016 @ 12:23 p.m. CDT