Apr 12, 2016
Equality NC and HRC to McCrory: Executive Order Creates Vital Protections But Doubles Down on Most Damaging Provisions of HB2
MEDIA CONTACTS: Ben Graumann | bgraumann@equalitync.org | 704-451-4522
Stephen Peters | stephen.peters@hrc.org | 202-423-2860
Raleigh, N.C. – Equality North Carolina, the state's leading LGBT advocacy organization and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), issued the following statement on Gov. Pat McCrory's executive order purporting to barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in state employment.
Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro said, "While Governor McCrory's Executive Order purports to create 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." Said Chris Sgro, Executive Director of Equality NC.
"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." Said Chris Sgro.
Sarah Warbelow, HRC Legal Director said, “The governor's action is an insufficient response to a terrible, misguided law that continues to harm LGBT people on a daily basis. The North Carolina Legislature must act to right this wrong as swiftly as possible."
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Equality NC is a statewide organization working to secure equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender North Carolinians. For more information, please visit www.equalitync.org