HARTFORD – Governor Dannel P. Malloy Wednesday announced that he is banning non-essential state-funded travel to another state, Mississippi, following that state’s enactment of a law that allows businesses and nonprofit groups to refuse service to people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Malloy released a statement Wednesday on the ban:
“Government should be in the practice of eliminating discrimination – not embracing it. This law in Mississippi is an active attempt to discriminate against the LGBTQ community. We, as a state, cannot stand for that. I am proud of Connecticut’s continued advancement of equality for all residents. Our state prides itself on our diversity. We celebrate it. And we are a stronger, better state as a result. This law, however, is simply rooted in backwards thinking and backwards values. That’s why we’re taking action.”
The state-funded travel ban falls under Executive Order No. 45, signed last year after Indiana enacted similar legislation. He later lifted that ban.
Malloy banned state-funded travel to North Carolina last week due to legislation that removed protections for the rights of the LGBT community.
The Democratic governor announced Wednesday that the cost of travel to Mississippi will not be covered.
Republican Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant contends he’s protecting religious freedom by signing the legislation.
