Governor Andrew Cuomo banned non-essential state travel to North Carolina on Monday. It comes after the Tar Heel state made a decision to overturn an ordinance on transgender rights.
The ban, which was signed by executive order, requires all state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions to immediately review all requests for state funded or state sponsored travel to North Carolina.
Jack Kuritzky grew up in Amherst but he's lived in North Carolina since 2008. He said the recent move forcing transgender individuals to use the bathroom of the gender associated on their birth certificate isn't sitting well with many in Chapel Hill. “It's certainly brought a lot of bad publicity and unwanted attention to North Carolina.”
That's why he said he's glad to hear officials like Cuomo and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray banning all non-essential state travel there. And he isn't alone. Plenty in Buffalo agree.
“If we could reach out and send a message that this is not okay, and send that message to North Carolina, I think it's a good idea,” said Peter Hammerl.
“People should not be able to tell anyone how they should live their lives and what they can do with themselves,” added Kety Rodriguez.
“I think it's good that the Governor's taking a stand against bigotry. I think what NC is doing is a shame,” said Jerry Tidd.
Republican Assemblyman Raymond Walter also opposes the law. But, he calls the governor's travel ban a publicity stunt among other things. “It's very hypocritical because this is the same governor, who just last year, visited Cuba which has a terrible human rights record including those LGBT citizens of Cuba,” Walter said via phone on Tuesday.
Walter also questions how much non-essential travel is actually happening to North Carolina –Meantime, Buffalo native Jack Kuritzky simply appreciates its symbolism. “I hope that some of the public outcry will help everybody kind of re-evaluate what's going on.”
The ban takes effect immediately and remains in place until the law is repealed.
