Governor bans nonessential travel to North Carolina

Gov. Mark Dayton is banning all non-essential state business travel to North Carolina.

In a letter to state employees Saturday, Dayton said the restriction is in response to North Carolina's new law that limits protections to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in that state.

"That law blocks local governments from passing anti-discrimination rules to grant protections to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women and men. It violates the values and the laws of our great state. In my view, it is destructive to the progress we have made to provide equal rights and protections to our LGBT community," Dayton said in the letter.

The travel restriction is in place until further notice. However, Dayton said travel to North Carolina could be allowed if the trip is essential to the interests and safety of Minnesota residents.