State keeps ban on travel to N.C.

Change in bathroom law fails to address California’s concerns about discrimination.

SACRAMENTO — North Carolina’s repeal of its controversial “bathroom bill” did not sufficiently address concerns about discrimination to result in California lifting its ban on statefunded travel to that state, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said.

The original legislation that sparked the travel ban had overturned an ordinance by the city of Charlotte that sought to allow transgender people to use public restrooms based on their gender identity.

Becerra said last week that a state travel ban will remain in effect because a new bill enacted by North Carolina bans state and local entities, until Dec. 1, 2020, from approving new nondiscrimination laws involving public restrooms and changing facilities.

The new bill also prevents local jurisdictions from enacting ordinances to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ people in public accommodations, Becerra said.

“California is inclusive,” Becerra said in a statement. “We take pride in protecting the rights of all our people. Discrimination is unacceptable and we intend to protect LBGT rights.”

The original bill brought travel boycotts from several groups and states, including California.

“California’s law was enacted to ensure that, with limited exceptions, our taxpayer resources are not spent in states that authorize discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,” Becerra said. “North Carolina’s new law does not cure the infirmity of this type of discrimination.”