BOSTON—In light of news reports highlighting Gov. Baker’s refusal to join a growing list of elected officials across the country banning travel to North Carolina in the wake of that state’s passage of anti-LGBTQ rights legislation, Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim – who authored and introduced the ordinance banning City of Boston employees from traveling to North Carolina – released the following statement through the Massachusetts Democratic Party:

"While it is disappointing that Gov. Baker refuses to ban state travel to North Carolina in the face of LGBTQ discrimination there, it is not surprising – especially considering his refusal to support the public accommodations bill, a crucial issue for the LGBTQ community in Massachusetts.

"Economic pressure from states, municipalities, and corporations has the power to influence governments to do the right thing, as we saw in Georgia just last week. I hope Gov. Baker reconsiders his position."

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