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Supervisors back ordinance to bar city-funded travel and contracting with states that pass anti‑LGBT laws
Summary
Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced an ordinance to prohibit most city-funded travel and, with limited exceptions, city contracting with states that since June 26, 2015 have enacted laws that reverse anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people. Community groups testified in strong support; the committee sent the measure to the full board.
Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced an ordinance that would prohibit city-funded travel and, except for limited exceptions, city contracting with states that since June 26, 2015 have enacted laws rolling back anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people. Wiener framed the measure as building on Mayor Lee's existing executive travel ban and extending pressure by limiting contracting in affected states.
Wiener cited North Carolina's HB2 as an example of a law that would trigger the prohibition; he also noted the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 26, 2015 recognition of same-sex marriage as the recent legal context. Rebecca Rolfe (executive director, SF LGBT Community Center) and Lou Fisher (Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club) testified in favor of the ordinance, saying economic pressure can discourage discriminatory legislation.
Supervisor Norman Yee asked about the ordinance's likely effect on existing contracts. Wiener said some city contracts with companies headquartered in affected states could be affected when those contracts come up for renewal; certain fiscal and fiduciary exceptions would limit unintended consequences.
Committee action: the committee agreed to forward the ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors with recommendation "without objection." The item will be scheduled for full-board consideration.
