Columbus bans non-essential worker travel to North Carolina

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Columbus has passed a plan barring city employees from traveling to North Carolina on non-essential business in a show of support for the transgender community.

City Council passed the resolution on Monday.

Charlotte City Council passed an ordinance allowing transgender people to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity in February.

North Carolina state lawmakers in April passed a bill that prevents cities and counties from approving similar laws. Transgender people under the law can only use public bathrooms and locker rooms that align with the sex listed on their birth certificate.

Columbus Councilman Shannon Hardin says Monday's resolution is in response to that law. The mayor and city directors will determine what is considered essential travel.

Cincinnati and Cuyahoga County have also enacted non-essential travel bans.

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The Gayly - 5/3/2016 @ 10:02 a.m. CDT