NC Congressional Democrats Call For H.B. 2 Repeal

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Congressman David Price (NC-04), and Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today sent a letter to Governor Pat McCrory and Republican leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly, calling for the immediate repeal of H.B. 2. This legislation, which Governor McCrory signed into law last month, strips LGBT individuals of nondiscrimination protections, bars North Carolinians from filing discrimination suits in state court, and prohibits municipal and county governments from passing local nondiscrimination and minimum wage ordinances.

North Carolina has faced substantial backlash over the law, which threatens millions of dollars in travel revenue and major corporate investment in new jobs and facilities throughout the state.

Adams, Price and Butterfield, the Democratic Members of North Carolina's congressional delegation, expressed particular concern over potential federal funding implications. The Obama administration has indicated that it is reviewing whether H.B. 2 violates these federal nondiscrimination provisions, putting at risk billions of dollars in federal aid to North Carolina.

In their letter, the Members wrote, “The law has already cost our state hundreds of new jobs and has jeopardized more than $560 million in private-sector economic activity through 2018, according to an estimate by the Center for American Progress. Just as importantly, it has severely tarnished North Carolina’s image as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family. Governors and corporate recruiters in other states have taken note. Executive Order Number 93, which was issued in response to the widespread condemnation of H.B. 2, fails to correct the broad injustices contained in the bill and serves as a clear admission that the law discriminates against members of the LGBT community while undermining state protections against employment discrimination.”

The full text of the letter is attached.