New Jersey considering banning travel to North Carolina over anti-LGBT law
New Jersey is the latest state to say it may ban travel to North Carolina over the anti-LGBT HB2 law.
Democratic New Jersey Senator Raymond Lesniak has proposed a bill which would ban state-funded travel to North Carolina.
The proposed bill is based on the fact that HB2 has been heavily criticised for allowing discrimination against LGBT people.
HB2 rolls back local laws which protected LGBT people and bans cities and other local authorities from introducing nondiscrimination laws.
It also explicitly bans trans people from using gender-appropriate toilets.
Lesbiak’s bill would ban state departments, boards, authorities and state-funded colleges and universities.
Emergency travel to North Carolina would be permitted under the law.
“New Jersey should not sit on the sidelines of this battle to protect the rights of the LGBT community,” said Lesniak to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
The Committee went on to approve the measure 3-2.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie last month said he had not read the North Carolina HB2, but that he would be unlikely to sign a similar measure if it came to his desk in New Jersey.
Hundreds of business leaders have urged the repeal of North Carolina’s HB2, and multiple celebrities have pulled out of appearances, including Ringo Starr and, Bruce Springsteen.
Springsteen was even accused of using “bully tactics” for cancelling the concert by one of the state’s Representatives.
But dozens of celebrities and hundreds of fans came to the defence of Springsteen, commending him for taking a stand.
Others such as Mumford and Sons and Cyndi Lauper have said they will appear but that they will donate their profits to LGBT rights organisations.
Mississippi also faces similar threats as Bryan Adams and Sharon Stone have pulled out of appearances there.
