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Connecticut, New York end bans on travel to Indiana

by Mark Hensch - 04/04/15 4:48 PM ET

The governors of Connecticut and New York on Saturday unfroze taxpayer-funded travel between their states and Indiana after a national standoff over the Hoosier State’s religious freedom law.

BuzzFeed reported Saturday’s announcement ended weeklong bans begun Monday by both East Coast states. Govs. Dannel Malloy (D-Conn.) and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) lifted the restrictions after their concerns over Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act were satisfied.

{mosads}“In 2015, we cannot, and should not, tolerate laws that open the door to discrimination against citizens,” Malloy said in a statement.

“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,” he concluded.

“Our nation’s Constitution ensures equality and justice for all,” Cuomo added in his own statement.

“We must never forget that ‘all’ does not mean ‘some,’ but all of us, and we will continue to fight and stand up for equality until it is a reality for all Americans,” he declared.

The pair’s decision follows Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s to end his own state’s ban Friday.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed corrections to the law’s problematic language Thursday. The lawmaker walked into a firestorm of criticism by initially approving the legislation March 26.

The law now prohibits businesses from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It also forbids using the law as a legal defense for discrimination against protected groups.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) avoided a similar situation Thursday by refusing to sign his state’s version of the law until it eliminated the problems that plagued Indiana’s. A wide array of corporations, politicians and even celebrities have slammed the Hoosier State over its divisive law.

Critics of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act charge it allows business discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals via religious reasoning.

Its supporters, meanwhile, argue it shields business owners from government meddling in their faith-based decisions.

– Updated at 4:56 p.m.

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