WINSTON-SALEM, N.C./NEW YORK (Reuters) – North Carolina business leaders yesterday called for a repeal of a new state law they blamed for mounting economic losses as opponents cancel jobs and events over concerns that it discriminates against gay and transgender people.
The state last month became the first to require transgender people to use restrooms and locker rooms in schools and other public facilities that match their sex at birth rather than their gender identity.
The call from the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce adds to growing pressure on Republican Governor Pat McCrory and lawmakers from corporations, celebrities and activist groups ahead of a legislative session that begins on Monday.
“This legislation is bad for business and bad for North Carolina,” the chamber said in a statement.
The group estimated tens of millions of dollars in losses since the law passed, including decisions by PayPal Holdings and Deutsche Bank to halt adding a combined 650 jobs in the state and canceled performances by Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Pearl Jam, Boston and Cirque du Soleil.
