California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) traveled to Montana with his family despite a state-funded travel ban to The Treasure State for its so-called ‘anti-LGBTQ’ policies.
“Montana is being added to California’s state-funded travel restrictions list as a result of House Bill 112 and Senate Bill 215. Signed into law on May 7, House Bill 112 prevents transgender women and girls from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity. Signed into law on April 22, Senate Bill 215 overrides existing state and local laws and policies that prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans. It threatens to, among other effects, allow businesses to refuse a broad range of services to same-sex couples because of their sexual orientation alone. Given the effective date for the new laws, Montana, pursuant to AB 1887, will be added to California’s travel restrictions list on July 1, 2021.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a press release in June 2021.
Newsom is vacationing in Montana with his family.
I’m told that @GavinNewsom has not yet booked his return trip home, but will return to California over the weekend and be back in the office Monday.
The parents of his wife, @JenSiebelNewsom, own a ranch in Montana & the couple was married there in 2008.
— Emily Hoeven (@emily_hoeven) July 6, 2022
Newsom’s spox says the governor didn’t use state funds to travel to Montana.
The state of California however is likely paying for Newsom’s security while he travels.
Newsom spokesperson Anthony York says CA doesn’t legislate where people vacation & the travel ban only applies to spending state funds. He says CA is not paying for Newsom’s travel.
Asked if the state is paying for his security, York says the office doesn’t comment on security.
— Emily Hoeven (@emily_hoeven) July 6, 2022
Insider reported:
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California is spending time with his family in Montana — a state on California’s list of banned places to travel to using state funds.
The Office of the Governor said Newsom did not use state funds for the trip.
The ban on state-funded trips to Montana, along with 21 other states, is because of the state’s anti-LGBTQ policies.
“The travel ban applies to expending state funds,” Erin Mellon, the communications director for Newsom, told Insider. “The Governor’s travel is not being paid for by the state. Connecting the two is irresponsible and falsely implies there is something untoward.”
Newsom departed for a vacation to the Treasure State Friday but did not initially announce where he was traveling to. He will return home on Monday, Mellon said. The parents of Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have a property in Montana.
This isn’t the first time Newsom’s travel caused controversy.
Newsom took off to Mexico for a $200,000 family vacation shortly after extending his emergency powers last year.
“Winter is coming. Winter is here,” Newsom said as he announced he’s extending emergency powers.
Then he took off to Mexico where he was spotted hanging out at the beach with his family.
