DOJ Warning: North Carolina law that removes LGBTQ protections is illegal

Washington, DC, May 4, 2016 — The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has warned North Carolina that significant aspects of House Bill 2 (HB2) violate federal civil rights law. They have asked Governor Pat McCrory to respond by Monday. Non-compliance with federal law could lead to North Carolina losing hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding.

“Discrimination against the trans community is illegal sex discrimination under federal law. We are delighted that the DOJ is acting to enforce existing laws to help eliminate portions of the now notorious HB2. Of course this action does not undo all the damage that HB2 inflicts on people’s lives. We urge the North Carolina legislature to repeal HB2 immediately and to replace it with a comprehensive non-discrimination law that strengthens freedom, justice and equality for all North Carolinians. We also encourage both the DOJ and other federal government agencies to actively enforce federal law to the maximum extent possible,” said Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán, J.D., Director, Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Justice Project, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.

The latest DOJ action comes on the heels of the 4th Circuit’s decision that denying restroom access to trans students is sex discrimination under Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.

The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund has been working with North Carolina faith leaders and LGBTQ advocates in an effort to repeal the anti-LGBTQ law. In North Carolina, the organization has been providing leadership training, grassroots organizing and on-the-ground logistical support. Clergy, civil rights leaders, and LGBTQ advocates have been taking part in actions calling on the the legislature and Governor to repeal the law.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
213-842-7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org