CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolinians have watched as companies like PayPal and performers have pulled out of plans to come to the state over House Bill 2, and now other states are trying to cash in on the controversy.
The state of New York's chief economic development agency started running a 60 second TV spot on WSOC-TV that begins with historical clips of New York, showcasing the state as a place that welcomes diversity. Roughly 20 seconds into the commercial, the video starts highlights controversial policies on refugees and LGBT issues, including North Carolina's House Bill 2.
The bill bans transgender people from using the bathroom of the gender they identify with, and prevents cities from creating their own anti-discrimination policies.
Channel 9 reached out to the Empire State Development agency to see if the ad is working and has resulted in more business.
A spokesperson did not respond to that specific question, but sent the following statement:
“Through the ‘Open Doors’ campaign, New York welcomes everyone to the Empire State, highlighting the historic Marriage Equality Act passed by Governor Cuomo in 2011, and regulations implemented in 2015 to affirm that everyone is protected under the State’s Human Rights Law. New York recognizes and ensures equal rights for everyone, and we will continue to do so, for the betterment of this great state, and to set an example for the rest of the nation.”
"Can you blame them, if I were in their shoes, would do the exact same thing," State Sen. Jeff Jackson said.
Jackson said he expected other states to try to capitalize off of the backlash over HB 2.
"HB 2 tells the rest of the country we have opted out of the new economy, of the modern economy and for 49 other states, that’s good news," he added.
In May, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce announced the county is missing out on $300 million due to the law.
Sen. Joel Ford had also hoped for a repeal. Now, he's hoping ads like this and HB 2 won't turn away any more business before lawmakers can make another attempt to change it.
"Hopefully the business community will be patient with us and we will be able to work through this," Ford said.
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