California Prohibits State-funded Travel To Oklahoma In Protest of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

The state of California continues to take a stand against discrimination of the LGBTQ community in the United States. In response to the new indecent adoption policies that are now being implemented in Oklahoma, Cali has added them to the list of states subject to Travel Prohibition, which falls under the California state law AB 1877. California will no longer sponsor or fund travel to Oklahoma for any state-run agencies or employees in opposition to the new policies.

Now Oklahoma joins eight other states on this list that all fail to support the LGBTQ community in one way or another. Xavier Becerra, the Attorney General of California, initially created this list in response to the laws created in North Carolina that denied transgender individuals to use the bathroom of their choice. Added by Becerra, Oklahoma now accompanies the multiple states that have “laws that authorize or require discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”

Oklahoma’s adoption policy permits discrimination towards LGBTQ couples, individuals, families, and the community as a whole, fitting the concerns of California. The new law, also known as Senate Bill 1140, allows private adoption and foster care agencies to deny services to someone based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. The bill was created in order to protect the religious motives of these agencies. Mike Hunter, the Attorney General of Oklahoma argued that “It is utterly undeniable that our state, like many others, needs more participants in the foster and adoption systems” now religious charities and all can be apart of this adoption process. Yet if a patron of one of these agencies do not fit their religious ideals they can now be denied help and it will not only be condoned but inline with the state laws. In an effort to eliminate discrimination towards religious groups, charities, and agencies, the new law excuses discrimination towards people of the LGBTQ community.

Oklahomans widely supported the new legislation. With many citizens, and representatives having religious roots, the bill was supported by “overwhelming majorities” in both the state senate and house according to Oklahoma’s government website. Officials were even considered unfazed by California’s addition of their state to the list. “With our state’s economy being as strong as it is, we won’t miss a few Californians traveling on state business showing up in our state.” stated the Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin in response to California’s actions.

On the other hand in California, the travel prohibition is a widely supported political stance. The list represents the state’s disapproval of the intolerance that is upheld in the legislation of many states. Becerra stated “California must take action to avoid supporting or financing discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.” Californian citizens also approved of the state’s actions. Becerra added “California taxpayers are taking a stand against bigotry and in support of those who would be harmed by this prejudiced policy.” As a whole California is a very inclusive, accepting, and supporting state for those in the LGBTQ community. The progressive steps taken by the state’s government and the citizens in support of it, can be looked up to by activists and officials around the country. As an early response to the travel prohibition Rick Zbur, the executive director of Equality California (a non-profit organization that works to advance LGBTQ rights) gave applause. “As some state legislatures around the country choose to target and harm LGBTQ people and their families, it is imperative that California continue to denounce those actions publicly and financially.” stated Zbur. Californians are taking precautions to fight intolerance and promote the advancement of LGBTQ rights in our country.

Featured Image Via Flickr/ChiaraBer