On Sept. 13, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he signed SB 447 by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), which ends the state's restriction on taxpayer-funded travel by state agencies and departments to states that have adopted discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ laws, per a press release.
The bill also creates a new public-awareness program, The BRIDGE (Building and Reinforcing Inclusive, Diverse, Gender-Supportive Equality) Project, that will involve consulting with community leaders to promote California's values of acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community across the country.
"In the face of a rising tide of anti-LGBTQ+ hate, this measure helps California's message of acceptance, equality and hope reach the places where it is most needed," said Newsom. "I thank Pro Tem Atkins for authoring this important measure that enables California to continue taking a stand for the rights of LGBTQ+ people throughout the country and combating intolerance and hate with empathy and allyship."
Atkins (D-San Diego), an out lesbian, added, "There's so much hate, so much hurt, so much harm being inflicted on people who are just trying to live their authentic lives. The BRIDGE Project is a chance to counter that with kindness and empathy, and I'm grateful to Gov. Newsom for swiftly signing this bill into law, and to my colleagues in both parties who voted for it. We will be the bridge to a more understanding and compassionate nation."
According to NBC News, California started banning official travel to states with laws it deemed discriminatory against LGBTQ+ people in 2017, starting with Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee; however, the list had grown to include 26 states following a surge of anti-LGBTQ legislation these past few years.
Andrew Davis