Inslee bans his administration from state-funded travel to Indiana over 'religious' freedom' law



OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday he is imposing a ban on state-funded travel to Indiana over the state's adoption of the "religious freedom" law that some say would allow discrimination against gays.

“I find Indiana’s new law disturbing, particularly at a time when more and more states and people in America are embracing civil rights for everyone," Inslee said in a news release.

"Washington will join other states and cities in opposing this law and I will impose an administration-wide ban on state funded travel to Indiana," he said.

Inslee added, “Indiana’s law appears to legalize private discrimination. Washington state fought against this very thing in a case Attorney General Bob Ferguson brought against a florist.

“We in Washington stand for equality. I applaud those companies and organizations that have spoken out against the law and said they would not locate or expand operations in Indiana. I want to invite all those organizations, and anyone interested in a state that promotes equality and opportunity, to come visit Washington. We are open for business, and open to all people.”

A swift and heavy backlash emerged after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the bill into law last week. It would allow businesses in Indiana to refuse customers based on the owners' "religious freedom" or principles.