Justice Dept.: NC’s ‘bathroom law’ violates Civil Rights Act

The Justice Department has sent a letter to North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) informing him that the state’s controversial “bathroom law” violates the Civil Rights Act, according to The Associated Press.

The letter says that the law violates protections against workplace discrimination based on sex.

{mosads}”The State is engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination against transgender state employees and both you, in your official capacity, and the state are engaging in a pattern or practice of resistance” of their rights, the letter reads.

Justice officials gave the governor until Monday to confirm “that the State will not comply with or implement HB2.”

Supporters of LGBT rights have condemned House Bill 2 for requiring transgender people to use public bathrooms corresponding to their biological sex. 

The letter from the Justice Department says that the law goes against Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits gender discrimination in education, and Title VII, which bars employer discrimination.

Additionally, the law contains provisions that restrict local governments from enacting their own anti-discrimination legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

North Carolina stands to lose millions of dollars in federal school funding if it moves forward with the law.

This story was updated at 5 p.m.