California Democrats have acknowledged a previous effort to stick it to GOP states has totally failed.
Not only did the 2016 law they passed fail to make an impact, it made agencies’ work more difficult, caused a headache for student athletes, and was totally ignored by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Seven years ago, Assembly Bill 1887 was passed in response to North Carolina’s measure that banned transgenders from using public bathrooms that matched their preferred identity rather than their biology—a measure that was fully repealed in 2020. Back then, however, when the travel ban against states with “anti-LGBTQ” laws went into effect, there were only four states on the list. Now? More than half the country is on it.
The half-a-dozen broad exemptions allowed in the law made it so that travel could be permitted for most reasons, it was just more difficult. The law also meant that state-funded universities had to look to private donors to cover travel costs rather than the state, but public employees and university researchers didn’t have that option when it came to attending professional events and out-of-state meetings. Moreover, it did nothing to slow the spread of laws Democrats objected to across the country—clearly. But the icing on the cake? When Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Montana on a family vacation last year. While it was paid for with his own money, and the California Highway Patrol security detail that accompanied him got an exemption, the vacation put Democrats’ hypocrisy on full display. While they publicly bash red states, they sure love to vacation in them.
So now Democrats are coming full circle, realizing it’s time to repeal this law.
“If something is not working, I think it’s imperative on us to be able to switch gears and maybe try a new California initiative that’s going to be able to have a better and more positive impact,” Democrat Assemblymember Chris Ward said as the bill passed the Assembly 64-12 on Monday.
On Tuesday, the measure, known as the BRIDGE Project, passed the state Senate 31-6.
The bill allocates $5 million in the state budget to carry out a media campaign in the states on the travel ban list to encourage LGBTQ acceptance.
“The intent of the Bridge project is to target audiences in states that have established discriminatory laws with compelling messaging regarding anti-discrimination, to open hearts and minds and to help our LGBTQ folks in other states feel less isolated and alone,” said Democrat Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur.
“With nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills having been introduced in legislatures nationwide this year alone, now more than ever I think we need to reach into those communities with messages of support, inclusivity and understanding,” said Democrat Senate leader Toni Atkins.
Newsom has until Oct. 14 to sign the bill into law or veto it.