Tag: HB2

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Donald Trump Opposes North Carolina Hate Law

During a town hall appearance this morning on NBC’s Today Show, Donald Trump seemed to oppose anti-LGBT laws like North Carolina’s hateful HB2.

I say “seemed” because during his answer he kept saying “Leave it the way it is.” Leaving it the way it is would mean keeping HB2 in North Carolina., because that’s currently “how it is.”

But the gist of his answer would seem to be in opposition to the legislation that has garnered so much attention and caused so much economic hardship for the state.

Here’s Trump talking on the issue this morning:

“North Carolina did something that was very strong and they’re paying a big price. And there’s a lot of problems.” Trump said. “Leave it the way it is. North Carolina, what they’re going through, with all of the business and all of the strife — and that’s on both sides — you leave it the way it is. There have been very few complaints the way it is. People go, they use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate. There has been so little trouble. And the problem with what happened in North Carolina is the strife and the economic punishment they’re taking.”

UPDATE: Trump’s opponent in the Republican presidential primary blasted Trump for even suggesting opposition to the hate law.

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Poll: North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory Takes A Hit After HB2

A new poll shows HB2, North Carolina’s anti-LGBT legislation, is definitely taking a toll on Gov. Pat McCrory’s reelection chances.

His challenger, Attorney General Roy Cooper, has gained even more ground since McCrory signed the legislation into law.

The new Elon University poll puts Cooper at a 6 point advantage – 48% to 42% – over McCrory.

Additionally, McCrory’s approval numbers – 37% approval to 49% disapproval – are at their lowest since Elon started polling.

Cooper’s approval digits look much better at 43% approval, 27% disapprove.

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Rock Band BOSTON Cancels Three North Carolina Concerts Over HB2

One of my absolute favorite bands of the late 70s/80s, BOSTON, has cancelled three concerts in North Carolina over the recently passed anti-LGBT legislation, HB2.

Boston’s hits include “More Than a Feeling”, “Peace of Mind”, “Rock and Roll Band”, “Smokin'”, “Don’t Look Back”, and “Amanda”. The band has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, including 31 million albums in the United States, of which 17 million were from their self-titled debut album released in 1976.

From the band’s Facebook page:

While the enjoyment of our fans is our central concern, and we have been looking forward to celebrating forty years of history performing for our listeners in North Carolina with spectacular live shows this spring, human rights are more important. It is with deep regret, that I must announce the cancellation of our upcoming shows on May 4, 5 & 6 in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh in order to raise awareness, and protest in the strongest terms, the recent passage of HB2, the so called “North Carolina bathroom law.”

HB2 has the appearance of an oppressive discriminatory law against a small minority, who already have to deal with a narrow-minded world regarding issues beyond their control which they did nothing to bring upon themselves. Other aspects of the new law arguably encourage bigotry. With thousands of fans in attendance at our shows, it is likely that some members of our audience and/or their loved ones are affected on a daily basis by this ugly expression of intolerance.

My sincere apologies to our fans who have already made arrangements to attend these shows. The removal of the shows from our schedule is a major disappointment. It has always been my wish to inspire people with BOSTON’s music. Hopefully the sacrifices we are all making here will inspire people to do the right thing in the future. We look forward to the day that the state government of North Carolina will come to its senses and treat ALL individuals with equal freedom in their pursuit of happiness here in the United States. ~ Tom Scholz

I love when folks you admire for a long time don’t disappoint 🙂

One of my favoritest recordings – ever.

(h/t JMG)

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North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory Discusses Anti-LGBT Legislation On MEET THE PRESS

Embattled North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory had a not-so-successful appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press this morning where he was questioned about the passage of his state’s anti-LGBT legislation, HB2.

Chuck Todd began with this: “Any estimates we have of lost revenue so far, we have come up with calculated, conservative calculations, $39.7 million, $186 million perhaps in revenue, and some have suggested billions in lost revenue. All of this now, do you have regrets signing this law?”

Ouch.

Among other “interesting” remarks, McCrory told Chuck Todd that he has been thanked by citizens at an “African-American buffet restaurant,’ and he now find the “Human Resources Commission” (the pro-LGBT Human Rights Campaign) to be “more powerful” than the NRA.

McCrory also erroneously said that no one had talking about transgender/gender identity issues until last year’s Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. That, of course, is false since over 200 local municipalities (including 19 states) have had gender identity protections for some time now.

From Think Progress:

Todd began by highlighting how much the law has already hurt the Tar Heel state economically, noting that 160 companies have called for the law’s repeal. “Bloomberg, Capital One, United Airlines, Williams-Sonoma — that’s just on Friday,” he observed, adding that the law has cost state that at least $39.7 million in lost revenue already. He asked McCrory if he has any regrets about signing the law.

McCrory responded that he would “always call out government overreach,” like Charlotte’s law, blaming “the left” for passing a mandate on “every private sector employer” in the city. He then boasted that while the business community has criticized him, people at “an African American buffet restaurant” in the small city of Hamlet, NC had thanked him protecting them.

Here’s the clip:

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Los Angeles Joins List Of Cities Boycotting North Carolina & Mississippi Over Anti-LGBT Laws

Joining other cities  like New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Cincinnati, Santa Fe, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, the Los Angeles City Council voted last night to boycott North Carolina and Mississippi due to anti-LGBT laws recently adopted in the two states.

The North Carolina law “overturns all state protections for gay and lesbians and puts new discrimination on the books,” according to Councilman Mike Bonin, who proposed the resolution that was approved on a 12-0 vote.

That law is also particularly hurtful to transgender people, because they would be permitted to only use bathrooms that match the sex designation on their birth certificate, and not by the gender they identify with, he said.

Bonin said the Mississippi law allows rental car businesses to turn away gay couples, and allows for suicide hotline counselors to refuse to help people who are gay.

Bonin said under the boycott, the city would avoid doing business with the two governments and put a ban on city employees making official visits to the states until the two laws are repealed.

“When the state sanctions hatred and the state endorses discrimination, hatred and discrimination increases,” creating a “climate of intolerance and a climate of violence,” Bonin said.

People will be fired from their jobs, hate crimes will go up and young people who are “struggling with their identity are going to be bullied and some of them will ponder suicide,” he charged.

“That’s not what Los Angeles stands for.”

In addition to the above listed cities, the states of Connecticut, Minnesota, New York and Vermont have announced similar boycotts of North Carolina.

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Cyndi Lauper Will Play North Carolina Concert, Donate All Profits To Repeal Of HB2

In a statement to JoeMyGod, Grammy/Emmy/Tony Award winner Cyndi Lauper announced today she will play her scheduled concert in North Carolina on June 4th in Raleigh (in support of her new country album DETOUR), and donate all profits to Equality North Carolina’s effort to repeal HB2.

“Sadly, once again, the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have been trampled on with the recent passage of HB2 in North Carolina. Me and my team at the True Colors Fund have been closely monitoring the situation in North Carolina and support the efforts of the Human Rights Campaign, Equality North Carolina, and others to repeal HB2 in the upcoming legislative session. The pressure to repeal HB2 is building and it is beautiful.

“In the dark haze of such oppression, people and companies are stepping up to fight back against this unjust law and ensure that all North Carolinians are treated with dignity and respect, especially the transgender community. I have seen time and time again what can happen when people join together to do what is fair and the effort to repeal HB2 is the right and fair thing to do. I am hopeful that all of the current efforts to repeal HB2 will be successful and the True Colors Fund and I will continue to do all that we can to help.

“In that vein, the best way I know how to make a difference is what I have strived to do my whole life and that is show up for my family, friends, and fans in the LGBT community. So, for that reason I think the best way I can do my part is to turn my show in Raleigh on June 4th into an entire day to build public support to repeal HB2. I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina’s efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort. I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness.

“If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how.”

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Ringo Starr Says He’s “Team Love” – Goes ‘Springsteen’ On North Carolina

Ringo Starr cancels North Carolina concert over HB2

Former Beatle Ringo Starr has cancelled his upcoming June 18th concert at Cary, North Carolina’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre over the recent passage of anti-LGBT ‘hate law’ HB2.

Starr’s official statement:

“Ringo Starr cancels his North Carolina performance in opposition to the passing of HB2. Like Bruce Springsteen and other fellow artists, Ringo stands with those fighting against the bigotry of HB2.

“Ringo states, ‘I’m sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love.’ This law opens the door to discrimination everywhere by limiting anti-discrimination laws against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Ringo adds, ‘How sad that they feel that this group of people cannot be defended.’ He asks that we all support organizations that are fighting to overturn this law in whatever way we can.

“As Canned Heat sang, ‘let’s work together,’ and The Beatles said, ‘all you need is love.’”

Bruce Springsteen also recently cancelled a concert in the state in protest of the controversial Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act.

“No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden,” Springsteen wrote in a statement. “To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress.”

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North Carolina: Raleigh Has Already Lost Hundreds Of Thousands In Tourism Dollars Over HB2

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau is reporting that the Raleigh area has already lost $732,000 in tourism dollars and economic benefits thanks to the recently signed HB2, which legalized discrimination against LGBTs in the state.

The report went on to say another $24 million could be lost to the local economy if the “hate law” isn’t repealed. The report cited at least 16 organizations that have indicated they may move their scheduled events to another state that might be more “inclusive.”

Via Raw Story:

The city’s biggest loss could be a four-year contract for an undisclosed sports tournament that would have brought 51,000 people and $4.5 million in benefits to the area each year.

“We just felt that it’s not in the best interest of our membership to go someplace that’s not inclusive,” Johnstone Supply spokesperson Janet Tipton told The News & Observer.