Republicans aren’t content to be ruining the world on a national scale — they’re also ruining people’s lives at the state and local level. A sneaky maneuver in North Carolina saw GOP politicians pushing hard this week to eliminate protections for queer people, all while promising that in exchange they would repeal the loathsome anti-trans HB2.
But surprise! After Charlotte eliminated its nondiscrimination laws as part of a deal, the Republicans went back on their pledge and kept HB2 in place. Hahaha, that’s what you get for trusting the GOP. Naturally, they say that it’s about “protecting children” and “privacy.” Wouldn’t their lives be so much easier if they just told the truth? Just be honest, Republicans — you don’t really care about safety.
Related: On second thought, North Carolina decides to remain the most homophobic state in America
Anyway, in response, the NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to staying the hell away from North Carolina. That means moving 15 college championships out of the state. And they’re not alone: lots of businesses, from Deutsche Bank to Paypal, have cancelled business in the state since the passage of the bill.
How about we take this to the next level?
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As of a few months ago, it was estimated that outgoing loser Governor Pat McCrory’s bill had cost the state about a half billion dollars in lost business. That includes the loss of the Southern Conference and Division II’s Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The loss in jobs was pegged at around 1,000 back in September, after Lionsgate announced they wouldn’t be filming movies in the state. Bruce Springsteen and Maroon 5 also cancelled concerts.
A few entertainers went the opposite direction: the Throwing Shade tour, for example, held a night of comedy in North Carolina, but donated all the money to charity.
jimontp
There is something lots of LGBT people can do. It’s not as headline grabbing as the NCAA or big corporations, but it all helps to hit NC where it hurts- money and jobs. North Carolina is the “furniture capital,” of the world was what the very friendly salesman at Pottery Barn told me when I was shopping for a large comfy “chair and a half,” the other day, and we (PB) are a very progressive company.
I told him I’d just wait for the repeal of HB2 (which was supposed to happen the next day), but the GOP just can’t bring themselves to vote for equality. AND I WON’T BUY ANY FURNITURE from NC. I can put up with the old chair for another year or so. Why isn’t there a boycott on buying any furniture from North Carolina? Wayfair, Birch Lane, probably even LL Bean that all boast “American made,” on their furniture. Ask them all if it is made in North Carolina.
SnorlaxationKH
@jimontp:
In this day and age, and really, for a long time now, the best way to make a point is to aim for the wallet.
If lawmakers in NC want to keep this bill, let them. They’ll continue to lose out on more money they could’ve had, no matter how many conservatives try to offset the costs.
DMRX
@jimontp: Unfortunately, your idea is about 2 decades too late. The VAST majority of furniture sold in the US has been made overseas for quite some time.