Connecticut's governor has lifted the Indiana travel ban in response to a recent amendment to the religious freedom recognition act that protect individuals against discrimination.
Last week, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed an order to ban state-funded and sponsored travel from Connecticut to Indiana in protest of the law's potential discrimination against the gay community and criticized Indiana's governor about the law in the national spotlight. But Malloy announced Saturday that he is canceling the travel ban because the amendment "provides protections to LGBTQ individuals," according to a news release from the governor's office.
“Today I am today lifting to ban on state funded travel to Indiana, because I believe the change enacted by the Indiana legislature sufficiently clarifies, in our interpretation, that the law cannot be used to invite discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity," Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a written statement.
UConn men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie announced last week that he wouldn't be attending a coaching convention or the Final Four in Indiana due to the ban and to protest the law. It's unclear if his plans will change now that the ban has been lifted.
Malloy distinguished Connecticut from Indiana, touting our state as a leader in acceptance of all citizens, and said Indiana's amendment of its law is progress.
“Unlike Connecticut – which has been a national leader in LGBTQ protections – this is the first time that Indiana has codified any protections for individuals based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity. While the law even in its amended version remains divisive, I believe it is a step in the right direction," Malloy said. “In 2015, we cannot, and should not, tolerate laws that open the door to discrimination against citizens. We need to actively stand up to them – and that’s what we did this week. We are gratified that several other states, businesses, trade organizations, and so many stood with us, and we are pleased that numerous states besides Indiana have sought or are seeking changes in their laws with the specific aim of preventing discrimination."
After what happened in Indiana, Malloy said that Connecticut stands against discrimination in and out of state.
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“We will continue to monitor other states that enact reforms similar to the original Indiana RFRA, because discrimination in any form is unacceptable," Malloy said. "We cannot watch states pass laws that seek to turn back the clock either on Connecticut residents, or our fellow Americans. We have an obligation do to what’s right, and to protect against discrimination whenever and wherever we see it.”
