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North Carolina’s New Anti-LGBT Law Faces Opposition From Major Companies

Apple, Google and the PayPal are among those fighting the state’s new law.

Corporate giants are fighting back against North Carolina’s new anti-LGBT law.

“We believe in equal rights and equal treatment for all,” Google tweeted in response to House Bill 2, which was signed into law by Governor Pat McRory on Wednesday. “This North Carolina law is misguided & wrong. #WeAreNotThis”

Google added a screenshot of a longer statement indicating all the company does to “oppose all laws that enable or encourage discrimination.” And they’re not alone.

Apple Stores and our company are open to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they worship or who they love,” the tech company wrote in a statement. “That’s why we support the federal Equality Act. Our future as Americans should be focused on inclusion and prosperity, and not discrimination and division.”

Apple also stated, “We were disappointed to see Governor McCrory [sic] sign this legislation.” 

Other companies also chimed in, like IBM, PayPal and Dow Chemicals, which said it will “continue to call for a comprehensive federal framework to ensure fairness for all.”

“Inclusion is one of our core values and we are proud to champion LGBTQ equality in N. Carolina and around the world,” PayPal said in a statement on Twitter.

While other big businesses like pharmaceutical company Bayer and tech company Biogen also voiced their opposition to House Bill 2, it was the NBA that stepped up with an unapologetic statement of utter disappointment and questioning of how they will move forward with doing business in the state.

“The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events,” the company tweeted. “[We] do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte.”

The NCAA echoed those sentiments, stating, “We’ll continue to monitor current events, which include issues surrounding diversity, in all cities bidding on NCAA championships and events, as well as cities that have already been named as future host sites.”

Plans for 20 major NCAA games in Charlotte and Greensboro in 2017 and 2018 are underway and the new law may impact the association’s decision to move forward.

The association added, “Our commitment to the fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has not changed and is at the core of our NCAA values.” 

(Photo from left: Google, Apple, PayPal)

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