Washington Gov. To Ban State Funded Travel To Indiana Over ‘Disturbing’ Law

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 at the annual Associated Press Legislative Preview in Olympia, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on Monday said he would prohibit state funded travel to Indiana due to the state’s controversial religious freedom law that may allow discrimination against gay people.

“I find Indiana’s new law disturbing, particularly at a time when more and more states and people in America are embracing civil rights for everyone,” Inslee said in a statement.

Inlsee said he opposed the law, which he said “appears to legalize private discrimination.”

“We in Washington stand for equality. I applaud those companies and organizations that have spoken out against the law and said they would not locate or expand operations in Indiana. I want to invite all those organizations, and anyone interested in a state that promotes equality and opportunity, to come visit Washington. We are open for business, and open to all people,” Inslee said.

Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy (D) also announced on Monday that he would ban state funded travel to Indiana.

“When new laws turn back the clock on progress, we can’t sit idly by. We are sending a message that discrimination won’t be tolerated,” Malloy said in a Monday tweet.

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