WATCH:Philly Mayor Signs Expansive LGBT Rights Law

Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter Thursday signed into law a bill expanding the city's antidiscrimination ordinance to include gender identity and enhancing LGBT protections in several other ways.

The measure, which the City Council passed last month, makes Philadelphia the first city in the U.S. to offer tax credits to companies that have domestic-partner benefits, and also provides incentives for employers to cover transgender-related health care, the Associated Press reports.

"My goal is for Philadelphia to be one of, if not the most, LGBT-friendly cities in the world and a leader on equality issues," said Nutter, also giving a shout-out to a mentor and friend, the late John Anderson, a gay man who served on the City Council.

The law also requires newly constructed city-owned buildings to have gender-neutral restrooms and "extends decision-making rights to life partners on medical and other issues, and changes city forms and websites to offer options for same-sex couples and transgender people," the AP notes.

Watch video of the signing below, from Philadelphia's CBS affiliate.