Josh Zakim Proposes North Carolina Travel Ban in Response to Transgender Bill

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Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim has proposed a ban on all city-sponsored travel to North Carolina, in light of the state’s passage of a bill prohibiting transgender people from using public restrooms that do not match their so-called “birth gender.”

Zakim’s ordinance, which he plans to introduce Wednesday, would prohibit the city from financing travel to North Carolina. The Tar Heel State’s “Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act,” also known as SB 2, prevents local governments from enacting its own anti-discrimination legislation protecting gay and transgender people.

“In Boston we take great pride in leading on issues of social justice and LGBTQ equality, and we have a continuing obligation to uphold this mission whenever there is an opportunity to do so,” Zakim said in a release Monday. “That includes standing up and speaking out in the face of oppression and discrimination. SB 2 disrespects and denigrates all LGBTQ individuals who set foot in North Carolina, a group that includes many Boston residents. I intend to work with my colleagues and the Mayor to pass this ordinance as quickly as possible.”

We all have a responsibility to act against injustice. Today I filed ordinance banning city travel to NC. #bospoli pic.twitter.com/2YIqGTlpuP

— Josh Zakim (@joshzakim) March 28, 2016

Zakim’s proposed ordinance includes exceptions for public safety and contractual obligations.