Gay, lesbian business group withdraws invite to Gov. Baker

BOSTON (AP) - A gay business group has withdrawn an invitation to Republican Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, citing his decision to speak at a weekend event featuring conservative leaders and a Texas minister who has said God sent Adolf Hitler for the Jews.

The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce planned to honor Baker in Washington, D.C., this month. It also says it backed off because of Baker's refusal to endorse a bill to protect transgender people from discrimination in public places.

Baker blames the decision to disinvite him on "partisan politics."

The Boston Globe (http://bit.ly/1WiveQE ) reported the decision to drop Baker came after Democratic Congressman Joe Kennedy asked that his name be removed from the event's list of honorees. Kennedy cited Baker's refusal to endorse the bill, which Kennedy supports.

Kennedy has since accepted the invitation again.