North Carolina lawmakers dealt a blow to the LGBT community this week with the passage of HB 2, a law that blocks anti-discrimination protection for gay and transgender people of the state.
The law caused outrage among corporations doing business there. Some companies headquartered or with major presences in the Tar Heel State took to Twitter to show their support for LGBT employees and customers.
Bank of America
BofA is steadfast in our commitment to nondiscrimination and to our LGBT employees. pic.twitter.com/CPm71JHUS3
— Cathy Bessant (@CathyBessant) March 24, 2016
Dow
Dow is disappointed in the signing of NC #HB2. We will continue to call for a comprehensive federal framework to ensure fairness for all.–KK
— Dow Public Policy (@DowPolicy) March 24, 2016
Biogen
Biogen opposes #NCGA attempt to undermine equality in NC via #HB2. We support advancing the power of difference https://t.co/RlxgLt3JBC
— Biogen (@biogen) March 23, 2016
PayPal
Inclusion is one of our core values and we are proud to champion LGBTQ equality in N. Carolina and around the world: https://t.co/40yYLCrqO1
— PayPal (@PayPal) March 24, 2016
The NBA, which is planning to host next year’s All-Star Game in Charlotte, threatened to take the event elsewhere. The NCAA said it is monitoring the situation.
NBA Statement Regarding Legislation Recently Signed Into Law In North Carolina pic.twitter.com/xwoOo9MyeR
— NBA (@NBA) March 24, 2016
Other companies with a smaller presence in the state condemned the law.
IBM
IBM is disappointed by passage of #HB2 in N.C. since it reduces, rather than expands, scope of anti-discrimination protections in the state
— IBM News Room (@IBM_NEWS) March 24, 2016
We believe in equal rights and equal treatment for all. This North Carolina law is misguided & wrong. #WeAreNotThis pic.twitter.com/3yCayn7Tum
— Google (@google) March 24, 2016
Intel
Intel is committed to nondiscrimination and freedom of gender expression. Intel stands in strong support of the LGBTQ community.
— Intel (@intel) March 25, 2016
Bayer
We have zero tolerance for discrimination. We say NO to #NCGA. We continue to support all of our employees & remain on the side of equality.
— Bayer US (@BayerUS) March 24, 2016
