California bans state-funded travel to Oklahoma

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California is banning state-funded travel to Oklahoma because of policies that are considered discriminatory toward LGBTQ people.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced the ban Friday in response to a policy adopted in Oklahoma last month that provides legal protections to private adoption and foster agencies that deny placements based on “religious or moral grounds.”
Opponents say it’s designed to discriminate against same-sex couples or LGBTQ parents. Some have also said they’re glad for a ban that might convince certain lawmakers to “stop legislating their religion.” Oklahoma’s Catholic bishops support the law.
Becerra’s decision is based on a 2017 California law that bans state-funded or state-sponsored travel to states that authorize discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. California Gov. Jerry Brown has said, “California will not use state resources to support states that pass discriminatory laws. California taxpayers are taking a stand against bigotry and in support of those who would be harmed by this prejudiced policy.”
California already bars official travel to Texas, Alabama, South Dakota, Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, Mississippi, and Texas. Collegiate California sports teams have still attended games in those states so this latest ban is not expected to impact any scheduled collegiate sporting events.

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