Gianaris Introduces Bill to Ban State-Funded Travel to Indiana in Response to Discriminatory Law

Senator Michael Gianaris introduced a bill that would ban state-funded or state-sponsored travel to Indiana or other states that may emulate Indiana’s new discriminatory “religious freedom” law.

“In recent years our nation has finally moved forward on LGBT rights and it is important that we as New Yorkers take a stand to keep us from moving backwards,” said Senator Gianaris. “In order for our state to play our rightful role as a national leader on this issue, we need to send a loud and clear message all the way to Indiana that this discriminatory law must be opposed. I urge my colleagues to support this proposal, and I encourage states that have not already done so to follow our example.”

Indiana’s new law prohibits state laws that impose on the ability of a person, religious institution, business or association to follow its religious beliefs. However, the law has been met with widespread concern across the nation as it will almost certainly allow for rampant discrimination against the LGBT community.

While other states also have religious freedom laws, none contain the specific provisions in Indiana's law that facilitates anti-LGBT discrimination. The Gianaris proposal would extend the proposed travel ban to any state that follows Indiana's example in the future.

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