Albany, N.Y. - Following the enactment of a controversial law in North Carolina, Governor Andrew Cuomo has banned all non-essential state travel to North Carolina.

The law in question bans individuals from using restrooms that do not match the gender indicated on their birth certificates. Opponents argue the measure discriminates against members of the LGBT community.

In a statement released Monday night, Governor Cuomo said, "In New York, we believe that all people - regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation - deserve the same rights and protections under the eyes of the law. From Stonewall to marriage equality, our state has been a beacon of hope for the LGBT community, and we will not stand idly by as misguided legislation replicates the discrimination of the past. As long as there is a law in North Carolina that creates the ground for discrimination against LGBT people, I am barring non-essential state travel to that state."

The ban specifically focuses on publicly-funded or publicly-sponsored travel - with the exception of travel that is deemed necessary for New York State law, the protection of public welfare, health or safety, or if it was part of a prior contractual obligation. The ban went into effect Monday night.

SOURCE :: 13WHAM



You can read the executive order here: E.O. 155.