Minnesota, Minneapolis Opt Against Travel Bans To Indiana

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The state of Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis have opted against proposed travel bans to Indiana now that Indiana lawmakers have revised a state law to address concerns that it would allow discrimination against gays and lesbians in the name of religious freedom.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton had been considering a ban on state employees traveling to Indiana for official business.

In a statement Friday, Dayton says the changes to Indiana's law fall short of the equal protection standards enacted in Minnesota, but he doesn't believe a travel ban is necessary.

Minneapolis also backed off a proposed travel ban. Instead it passed a resolution calling on Indiana and 27 other states to enact affirmative protections for GLBT citizens to protect them from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.