New York Bans State Trips to Mississippi Because of New Law

New York state has banned non-essential state-funded travel to Mississippi after that state's governor signed a law allowing religious groups and some businesses to refuse service to gay couples.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the ban Tuesday, the same day Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed the measure, which supporters say will protect those who have religious objections to same-sex marriage. Opponents to the measure say it's intolerant and will lead to discrimination.

Last week Cuomo, a Democrat, banned state-funded travel to North Carolina after lawmakers there blocked anti-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian and transgender people.

In a statement, Cuomo said the Mississippi law is a "sad, hateful" measure and that he will not allow any official state travel to that state until the law is repealed.