California enforces travel ban in three states due to transgender student athlete restrictions

California expanded their travel ban to three states after those states restricted transgender students from participating in school sports that aligns with their gender identity. 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Friday that California will restrict state-funded travel to Missouri, Nebraska, and Wyoming as a result of recent legislation those states passed. 

The travel ban was mandated by California Assembly Bill 1887. It requires the attorney general to update the website to the current list of states that are subject to the travel ban.

According to a press release published by the attorney general’s office, Bonta said legislation targeting the transgender community is part of a “concerning trend of discriminatory practices in states across the country, aiming to roll back hard-won protections.” 

The press release also stated that such laws “specifically target and marginalize transgender youth by preventing them from participating in sports in accordance with their gender identity, as well as restricting access to critical gender-affirming healthcare services.”

Bonta added how he believes that the laws in Missouri, Nebraska, and Wyoming are not only discriminatory but also constitute a clear case of government overreach.

Last month, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, R., signed a pair of bills into law banning transgender surgeries and puberty blockers for minors and restricting athletes’ participation in sports to teams that match their biological sex. 

Parson said he was standing up “to the nonsense” and stands with women and girls who have “fought for an equal opportunity to succeed.” 

The law takes effect on August 28 and Missouri health care providers won’t be able to prescribe sex change surgeries for teens and children. Most adults will still have access to transgender surgeries and hormone treatment under the law, but it won’t be covered under Medicaid. 

Nineteen states have now enacted laws restricting or banning gender surgeries for minors. 

Federal judges have blocked enforcement of laws in Alabama and Arkansas. Oklahoma has agreed to not enforce its ban while opponents seek a temporary court order blocking it.

Fox News’ Bradford Betz contributed to this report.