Cuomo Bans Nonessential State-Funded Travel To Indiana Over Religious Freedom Law
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has banned all nonessential, state-funded travel to Indiana after that state adopted a religious freedom law that critics say opens the door to discrimination against gays and lesbians.
The Democratic governor announced the ban Tuesday, saying it shows the state stands by "our LBGT family members, friends and colleagues."
Exceptions include travel related to law enforcement and public health, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported.
Lawmakers had called for such a ban earlier in the day.
A similar travel ban was signed by Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy on Monday.
"It harkens back to a time when states were allowed to pass laws that treated their citizens differently," Malloy said, adding someone has to stand up to such bigotry. "And I'm prepared to do it."
Malloy also has called on the NCAA to consider moving next year's Women's Final Four out of Indianapolis unless changes are made to the law. The University of Connecticut is a regular participant in the event.
Businesses and organizations such as Apple and the NCAA have also voiced concerns about the law.
The measure's supporters say it's intended to protect religious liberty.
On Tuesday, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said his state has a "perception problem" and said he wants legislation to "clarify" the law. He, however, defended it as a vehicle to protect religious liberty.
"I don't believe for a minute that it was the intent of the General Assembly to create a license to discriminate," he said. "It certainly wasn't my intent."
The law signed by Pence last week prohibits state laws that "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of "person" includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)