New York, Connecticut governors lift bans on state-funded travel to Indiana

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Malloy, incoming chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, said Saturday that Connecticut would continue to monitor other states for laws similar to the original Indiana law.

“We cannot watch states pass laws that seek to turn back the clock either on Connecticut residents, or our fellow Americans. We have an obligation to do what’s right and to protect against discrimination whenever and wherever we see it,” he said.

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Controversy arose in recent weeks over new Indiana and Arkansas measures that barred state and local governments from impinging on people’s ability to follow their religious beliefs, with some limitations.

Supporters said the legislation would protect religious liberties. But critics said they could be used to discriminate against LGBT individuals. Some big businesses, including Apple and Walmart, joined gay rights advocates and others in decrying such laws.

The Republican governors of both states signed amended versions of the laws Thursday, hoping to quiet the outcry. The Indiana version was changed to prohibit businesses from using the law as a defense for denying service based on someone’s sexual orientation.

Washington governor Jay Inslee rescinded a similar ban in his state on Friday.