North Carolina governor Pat McCrory has written a letter to The Washington Post arguing that his state is being treated unfairly. Governor McCrory says other states that have wound back LGBT rights have not been targeted as heavily as North Carolina.

The governor said his view was the state was being target unfairly, and highlighted that LGBT activists had not targeted the Texan city of Houston to the same level when they rejected laws to protect LGBT people in 2015.

“Just five months prior to Charlotte imposing this overreaching law, voters in Houston overwhelmingly rejected a nearly identical regulation through a public referendum. Yet the men’s NCAA Final Four basketball games were played there under no threats of boycott, retaliation or demagoguery from the media, entertainment, business elite or special-interest groups.” Governor McCrory argued.

The governor said the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) had lead a smear campaign against the state.

“This national special-interest group, which is funded by anonymous donors, is attempting to bully companies, entertainers and anyone else who disagrees with its agenda.” Governor McCrory said.

McCrory said the organisation was encouraging entertainers to boycott the state while making no noise when the same entertainers performed in foreign countries that have questionable records on human rights.

“The HRC remains silent while the same individuals and organizations sell their products, make their products or take entertainment dollars from countries like China, Cuba, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Singapore – countries with deplorable human rights records, especially toward the gay and lesbian community.”

Last month Republicans in North Carolina passed a bill called HB2 that removed all state based ordinances that protected LGBT people. The new law that was signed by Governor Pat McCrory makes it legal for LGBT people to fired from their jobs because of their sexuality, be refused service, be evicted or be denied service to any public facilities.

Additionally the new law also makes it impossible for any city within the state to create city based laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination. The state based law was introduced in response to a law passed in the city of Charlotte that provided protection for LGBTI people and stopped them facing discrimination from local businesses.

Since the new law was passed a number of entertainers have cancelled shows in the state. Musician Bruce Springsteen pulled the plug on his concert, while comedian Joel McHale donated the proceeds from his show to a local LGBT support group. Entertainers Ringo Star, Cyndi Lauper and Laura-Jane Grace have also spoken out about the new law.

OIP Staff