Kentucky lawmakers intended to use Republican political victories this year to boost the state’s economy. But the Lexington Herald-Leader argues that by passing the state’s second religious liberty bill in four years, they have hindered their own efforts. The bill includes a clause that many, including the state of California, interpret as discriminatory to LGBT+ students.
As a result, California and other states have banned state sponsored travel to Kentucky. The mayors of major Kentucky cities, including Lexington and Louisville, have sought exemptions from this ban, to no avail – meaning the state has lost significant potential revenue from conventions.