Washington State Joins North Carolina Travel Ban

And the list just keeps getting longer. From the Associated Press:

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has joined other government officials in banning anything but most publicly funded travel to North Carolina because of the state’s law halting anti-discrimination rules.

In making the announcement, Inslee praised Washington’s law that requires buildings open to the public to allow transgender people to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with the way they identify.

The travel ban is “consistent with our state’s approach to tolerance, fairness and a lack of discrimination,” Inslee said to reporters. “And I do think these things — they’re mostly symbolic — but symbolism is important when it comes to ending discrimination in our country.”

You can probably add Portland, Oregon after tonight:

For the second time in a year, Portland city leaders are making a political statement by preparing a travel embargo against a state deemed to have discriminatory laws. This time it’s North Carolina, where the governor last week signed a law that prevents protections for gay and lesbian residents.

Last year, it was Indiana’s “religious freedom” bill. In both cases, the move would block travel by city employees to those states — a move more symbolic than tangible. Portland’s travel ban is being introduced at Wednesday’s City Council meeting. All five members of the council are introducing the resolution, indicating unanimous support.

For those keep track: Washington state, Vermont, New York state, New York City, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco.