JAY INSLEE 
Governor

STATE OF WASHINGTON
Office of the Governor

April 3, 2015

 
   
  
   

TO: All Executive Cabi

   

FROM: Jay Inslee, Gove u: . I

SUBJECT: RESCINDING . TION ON PUBLIC TRAVEL TO INDIANA

Earlier this week, after the state of Indiana passed its Religious Freedom Restoration Act
(RFRA), IC 34-13?9, I ordered executive-level agencies and small cabinet agencies to prohibit
publicly funded non-essential travel to Indiana. I issued my order because Indiana?s RFRA
opened the door to allowing private companies to discriminate against individuals in that state, in
sharp contrast to our own state?s long commitment to diversity and inclusion. My order stated
that the travel ban would remain in effect so long as Indiana?s law existed in its original form.

In response to the intense public criticism stemming from the passage of Indiana?s RFRA, the
Indiana Legislature moved quickly to ?x the law. Yesterday, Indiana Governor Mike Pence
signed legislation amending the law and remedying the most egregious elements of the law. The
new amendment prohibits businesses and individuals from refusing service or goods to potential
clients based on that client?s sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics. This is a
promising step toward greater cultural inclusion and acceptance for LGBT communities.
Accordingly, I am lifting the ban on publicly ?mded non-essential travel to Indiana.

PO. Box 40002 - Olympia, Washington 98504-0002 0 (360) 902-4111 - ?3