Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), is currently on a personal vacation in Montana, despite California’s ban against state-funded travel to the state because of its conservative social policies.
CalMatters reporter Emily Hoeven first reported Newsom’s vacation. She noted that Newsom’s office hadn’t disclosed his destination prior to the trip as it normally does.
Fox News Channel confirmed Wednesday that Newsom was also in Montana. Jennifer Siebel Newsom has relatives who have a ranch there. They were married in Montana in 2008.
After Montana passed legislation protecting women’s sports, California imposed a travel ban on Montana for 2021. According to Rob Bonta, California Attorney General at the time:
As a result of Senate Bill 215 and House Bill 112, Montana has been added to California’s list of restricted state-funded travel destinations. House Bill 112 was signed into law May 7th. It prohibits transgender girls and women from participating in school sports that are compatible with their gender identity. Senate Bill 215 was signed into law April 22. It overrides all existing state laws and policies prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans. This bill could allow businesses to deny services to gay couples based on their sexual orientation. The new laws will take effect on July 1, 2021. Montana, pursuant AB 1887, is now included in California’s travel restrictions.
Hoeven reports that California has banned 22 states.
Fox News reported that Newsom was not in violation of the travel ban as his personal travel was allowed. The governor’s office refused to answer questions about whether state funds were used to support him during his trip.
Newsom has broken his own rules before. After imposing coronavirus restrictions to restaurants in other countries, Newsom dined out with friends and lobbyists at French Laundry in Napa in November 2020.
He took off his mask at SoFi Stadium earlier this year to pose for photos during the NFC championship match, despite a local mandate that large events require him to wear a mask.
