California Proves Politicians Are The Worst By Creating A "Political Travel Ban"

Source -  California has its own travel ban. The new law took effect in January, banning state employees and officials from using tax money to go to states with laws it deemed discriminatory in regards to gender identity or sexual orientation — starting with Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee.

On Thursday, Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced that the list had doubled. It now includes Alabama, Kentucky, South Dakota and Texas.

“Our country has made great strides in dismantling prejudicial laws that have deprived too many of our fellow Americans of their precious rights,” Becerra said in a news release. “Sadly, that is not the case in all parts of our nation, even in the 21st Century.

Three of the four new states recently moved to protect faith-based adoption or foster agencies who refuse to place children with certain families, such as same-sex couples. Another protects religious expression in schools, including provisions on student organizations that LGBT advocates argue could allow clubs to shun prospective members based on their gender identity.

Assemblyman Evan Low, D-Campbell, leads the California Legislative LGBT Caucus and wrote Assembly Bill 1887, which created the ban. “AB 1887 was enacted to ensure our taxpayer dollars do not fund bigotry or hatred,” he said. “Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s action today sends a strong message that discrimination beyond our borders will not be tolerated.”

I’ve haven’t expected much from the Golden State after the whole proposition 8  fiasco so it’s good to see they’re taking a step in the right direction. Not sure how often they do business with Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina or Tennessee but it’s the thought that counts. That being said, I don’t think it will make difference. At. All. You think some redneck in Missippi is going to get their panties in a bunch over a missed visit from California politician? Doubt it. It’s like an added bonus; now they don’t have to deal with gays or hippies.

It’s weird we’re applauding California for contributing to a growing problem in politics; non-dialogue. Going to be tough to convince someone to change their laws without talking to them. If they were really serious about creating “equal rights for all Americans” maybe they should’ve set up some meetings or a town hall. You know, actually engage with the other side not distance themselves from it. Sure, ‘California Has A Meeting In Mississippi’ isn’t as strong a headline as ‘California Travel Ban’ but it shouldn’t matter. Sad that politics are more about PR than actually making a difference.  Suspicious timing for them to announce it two days ahead of the biggest pride celebration in the nation.

All that being said, intranational travel bans may not be all bad. As long as it’s on a per person basis. Massachusetts could ban Goodell, New York could get rid of Reggie Miller, Philly could ban Crosby, I can see the benefits.

I just feel bad or the all the kids who are going to miss out on the DINK life.

“Three of the four new states recently moved to protect faith-based adoption or foster agencies who refuse to place children with certain families, such as same-sex couples”

Initially I was going to tear into these states for allowing people to hiding behind their religion as a way to discriminate but I don’t think it’s necessary. Time will judge them way better than I can.

Happy Pride weekend.