Statement from Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro
"While Governor McCrory's Executive Order creates vital protections in public employment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, it does not address the deep concerns we share with members of the business community and citizens across the state about the damaging impact of HB2. In fact, the order doubles down on the Governor's support for some of the most problematic provisions of HB2.
"Workplace protections are a vital first step in getting serious about fighting discrimination across North Carolina. If the Governor is truly committed to non-discrimination and and wants to undo the harms done by House Bill 2, this is just the beginning of the conversation. We seek full repeal of HB2 in the short session.
"After weeks of harsh scrutiny directed at him over the sweeping anti-LGBT "Hate Bill 2" that he made law, the Governor responded today by dangling benefits for some, while North Carolina's transgender community, workers, and reputation as a welcoming place to live, travel, and work continue to needlessly suffer. Equality NC does thank Governor McCrory for his leadership on an issue that our legislative allies have fought on for years to win workplace protection for state employees."
Senate Leader Phil Berger issued the following response:
“Gov. McCrory just put to rest the left's lies about HB 2 and proved it allows private and public employers, non-profits and churches the ability to adopt nondiscrimination policies that are stronger than state and federal law. But that fact is irrelevant to Roy Cooper and his left-wing political correctness mob with their agenda-driven allies in the liberal media, who will never stop trashing North Carolina until they achieve their goal of allowing any man into any women's bathroom or locker room at any time simply by claiming to feel like a woman.”
Bob Morgan, Charlotte Chamber President and CEO statement
“Today’s action by Governor Pat McCrory sends a positive message to businesses across North Carolina and to our economic development clients throughout the country and world that North Carolina and Charlotte understand the need to attract and retain diverse talent in our workforce.”
ACLU of North Carolina Acting Executive Director Sarah Preston releases statement:
“Gov. McCrory’s actions today are a poor effort to save face after his sweeping attacks on the LGBT community, and they fall far short of correcting the damage done when he signed into law the harmful House Bill 2, which stigmatizes and mandates discrimination against gay and transgender people. With this executive order, LGBT individuals still lack legal protections from discrimination, and transgender people are still explicitly targeted by being forced to use the wrong restroom.
“An impressive and growing number of businesses, faith leaders, and public figures have come out to condemn House Bill 2 as an unnecessary and dangerous measure that unfairly targets gay and transgender people. Regardless of political affiliation, more and more political leaders also understand that discrimination is bad for business and politically toxic. The public believes in equality and fairness and House Bill 2 and measures like it are out of step with the values of most Americans.
“Efforts to divide the LGBT community by extending limited protections but leaving in place the rules mandating discrimination against the transgender community will only strengthen our resolve to fight back against this discriminatory and misguided legislative action. We call on Gov. McCrory and the North Carolina legislature to repeal House Bill 2 and replace it with full non-discrimination protections for all LGBT people.”
Human Rights Campaign Legal Director Sarah Warbelow statement:
“The governor’s action is an insufficient response to a terrible, misguided law that continues to harm LGBT people on a daily basis. It’s absurd that he’ll protect people from being fired but will prohibit them from using the employee restroom consistent with their gender identity. The North Carolina Legislature must act to right this wrong as swiftly as possible. They created this horrendous law, and they need to repeal it.”
Statement from NCDP Chair Patsy Keever on Gov. McCrory's executive order
“With his actions today, Governor McCrory acknowledged for the first time the full scope and consequences of his discriminatory law. For two weeks, he’s attempted to mislead about the effects of HB2 with long, incorrect memos and Internet videos. But today’s Executive Order does nothing to fix what’s really wrong with his job-killing law: legalized discrimination that will continue to cost the state of North Carolina jobs and respect.”
Charlotte Chamber Executive Committee Statement
"The Charlotte Chamber supports our well-deserved reputation as a city that promotes and embraces diversity, inclusion and equality. The business community, in particular, understands the need to develop, attract and retain diverse talent. We believe that the growing diversity of our population is in fact a competitive advantage for Charlotte’s economy. The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce opposes discrimination in all forms.
"We applaud the Governor’s actions today which demonstrate that North Carolina is an open and welcoming state.
"We support efforts by all leaders at city and state levels to promote North Carolina and Charlotte as places that promote diversity, inclusiveness and equality.
"We strongly encourage the leadership and members of the General Assembly to take quick action to the Governor’s call to ensure citizens have the right to pursue claims of discrimination at the state level.
"Charlotte remains open for business as a city where everyone is always welcome."
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