Regulation

Businesses decry NC bathroom law

North Carolina’s controversial transgender bathroom law is facing blowback from tens of thousands of businesses.

The National Association of Manufacturers, Consumer Technology Association and more than a dozen other trade organizations representing some 45,000 businesses are urging North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) to withdraw the new policy that prohibits transgender people from using bathrooms intended for the gender with which they identify.

{mosads}The bathroom law creates a “shadow” over the North Carolina business community, the groups wrote in a letter to the governor and top state lawmakers that was released Thursday.

“As a result, many businesses have deemed North Carolina a less desirable state in which to locate and operate a business,” the business groups wrote.

“Our member companies thrive by attracting the best and brightest employees,” they added.

“The potential talent pool of employees not only includes LGBT employees, but a younger generation of Americans who believe all Americans should be allowed to marry, adopt and use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity. With the obvious anti-equality tone and impact of this law, millions of existing and potential employees are less likely to want to live or work in North Carolina.

“Thus, while this law stands, our members are less likely to want to invest or locate in North Carolina.”