This week California announced a travel ban to the state of South Carolina because of discriminatory policies the state observes. CNBC reported that Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced that provisions in Bill H-4950 allow faith-based child-placing agencies to discriminate against individuals who do not meet their moral convictions or who do not conform to their religious beliefs. This includes the LGBTQ community.
South Carolina recently enacted a law allowing child-placing agencies to discriminate against prospective parents. We stand strongly against any form of discrimination, so, effective April 15, California will restrict state-funded travel to South Carolina. https://t.co/yUhXt8y3gS pic.twitter.com/eodf91atly
— Archive – Attorney General Becerra (@AGBecerra) April 2, 2019
In 2017, California passed Assembly Bill 1887, banning state-funding or state-sponsored travel to states that authorize discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This includes the states of Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. South Carolina is the newest on the list bringing the count to 10 states that are off limits for California.
In a statement, Becerra said:
The State of South Carolina recently enacted a measure that sanctions discrimination against families in the placement of children in need of homes. The State of California stands strongly against any form of discrimination.
Reminder, just two years ago South Carolina swore in its first openly gay legislator, Jason Elliott.
Brian Symmes, spokesperson for South Carolina’s Governor, Henry McMaster, expressed his sentiments on Twitter:
En route to EMD headquarters to figure out if the governor needs to declare a state of emergency. How will South Carolina recover? https://t.co/1lmn1P40SQ
— Brian Symmes (@BrianSymmes) April 2, 2019
McMaster has not publicly addressed the news.
California ban on travel to South Carolina will take effect April 15th.
H/T: CNBC
