San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has banned city workers from non-essential travel to North Carolina after that state approved legislation preventing anti-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian and transgender people.
Lee said in a statement Friday that residents in the city with a large gay and lesbian population "will not subsidize legally sanctioned discrimination.'' He says the new law turns back the clock on civil rights protections.
North Carolina Gov. Pat McGrory signed legislation this week voiding a Charlotte ordinance that would have allowed transgender people to legally use restrooms aligned with their gender identity. The ordinance also would have provided wide protections against discrimination in public accommodations.
The law prevents cities and counties from passing anti-discrimination rules and imposes a statewide standard that leaves out protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry also responded to the new North Carolina law when asked about it.
Charlotte is set to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.
“I know the NBA has a stance on equality and incorporating all beliefs and people from all sorts of backgrounds,” Curry said Friday. “It’s interesting how that intersection is with the state law and the NBA having an event there. Hopefully, the right things need to happen for the All-Star Game to stay in Charlotte, because that would be huge for the city. Being from there, (All-Star weekend) is a chance to show what Charlotte is all about - regardless of where you fall with that law.”
The NBA also released a statement.
“The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events. We are deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte.”
