The state of California has denied Lexington’s request to be exempted from a travel ban to Kentucky.
Mayor Jim Gray received a letter Thursday from California Attorney General Xavier Becerra in which he acknowledged Lexington’s efforts to be an open and welcoming place.
Becerra pointed out that his state’s legislation prohibits state-supported travel to states that authorize discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
In turning down Lexington’s request to be exempted from the travel ban, the California official referenced Kentucky Senate Bill 17, saying it could allow student-run organizations to discriminate against classmates.
Becerra made it clear that the California law prohibits the travel to “states” and does not provide exemptions for any political subdivisions within a state.
Mayor Gray’s request for an exemption from California’s travel ban followed a similar request by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.
