The growing list of people who have called for the repeal of House Bill 2 just added its biggest name yet — President Barack Obama.
“The laws that have been passed (in North Carolina) are wrong and should be overturned,” he said.
A number of local governments, businesses and public figures have already called for the bill to be repealed.
Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr have recently canceled North Carolina concerts and some business have announced they won’t expand into the state.
Governor Pat McCrory has asked for the state legislature to consider changing the portion of the law that does not allow someone to sue in state court if they feel they are fired based on discrimination.
He has also said many aspects of the bill will remain intact.
“They’re in response to politics, in part,” Obama said. “In part some strong emotions that are generated by people, some of whom are good people, but I just disagree with.”
NC senate leader Phil Berger would be one of the people with whom the president disagrees.
“Not every father has the luxury of secret service agents protecting his daughters’ right to privacy in the girls’ bathroom,” Berger said in response to Obama’s comments.
McCrory’s office responded by released a statement.
“Governor McCrory agrees with President Obama that all people are welcome to our state and everybody will be treated well with extraordinary hospitality. However, the governor respectfully disagrees with the political left’s national agenda to mandate changes to basic, common-sense restroom norms.”
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