New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order Monday barring all non-essential state-funded travel to North Carolina to take effect immediately.
This travel ban follows North Carolina’s recent law preventing transgender individual’s use of bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity.
Cuomo’s order calls for all New York state agencies, departments, boards and commissions to review state sponsored travel to North Carolina and prohibit any travel not essential to state law enforcement or public health and safety.
“In New York, we believe that all people — regardless of their identity or sexual orientation — deserve the same rights and protections under the law,” said Cuomo.
“From Stonewall to marriage equality, our state has been a beacon of hope and equality for the LGBT community, and we will not stand idly by as misguided legislation replicates the discrimination of the past.”
North Carolina’s law came in response to Charlotte City Council’s ordinance allowing LGBT residents to use bathrooms regardless of their biological gender. Gov. Pat McCrory signed a bill last week that intends to block any similar future ordinances.
“As long as there is a law in North Carolina that creates the grounds for discrimination against LGBT people, I am barring non-essential state travel to that state,” said Cuomo.
In 2015, Cuomo enacted a similar ban on non-essential travel to Indiana after the state passed a religious freedom measure that did not prohibit LGBT discrimination. The Indiana measure was later amended to prevent LGBT discrimination and the travel ban was lifted.
In addition to New York State, other local governments are considering travel bans in response to the North Carolina law.
Boston City Council member Josh Zakim filed measure Monday seeking a non-essential travel ban to North Carolina, which will be discussed by the City Council on Wednesday. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh said he will sign the measure if approved, the Boston Globe reports.