Hartford, Ct. – In the aftermath of Governor Dan Malloy’s decision to sign an executive order banning state-sponsored travel to Indiana in response to Governor Mike Pence’s decision to sign the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFFA), the conservative blogosphere erupted, claiming that Connecticut has a similar law on the books. So are they right? Does this make Governor Malloy’s decision hypocritical?

No.

1. While Connecticut does have a “religious freedom” law on the books from 1993, we also have dozens of laws to specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes, but is not limited to, employment, housing, and public accommodation
2. Indiana’s RFFA is completely different and much broader in scope than Connecticut’s. Indiana’s version of the law includes individuals and private businesses. While, as the Huffington Post explains, Connecticut’s version is limited to religious institutions.

Bottom line:  Indiana’s law allows for discrimination; Connecticut’s does not. We do not allow discrimination. And as Governor Malloy proved yet again today, we will not tolerate discrimination anywhere in our midst. 

Background:

That’s in sharp contrast to states like Connecticut, which has an RFRA but one that pertains only to religious institutions, not private establishments. And unlike some other states, Connecticut also doesn’t permit discrimination based on sexual orientation in any private establishment or institution. [Huffington Post, 3/30/15]

The statute shows every sign of having been carefully designed to put new obstacles in the path of equality; and it has been publicly sold with deceptive claims that it is “nothing new.”  [The Atlantic, 3/30/15]