While I do have sympathy for business owners who disagree with the new law and will lose tourist dollars because of it, it's up to you, the citizens of North Carolina and Mississippi, to vote the rascals who support the law out!
5
Wow, could NC's Governor sound any more tone deaf? He blames Charlotte for passing a law PROTECTING people's rights, thereby forcing him to sign a law that DENIES people's rights. Hence the reason everyone is upset, but yet he's not grasping the core issue:
the only left to do is vote him out of office.
the only left to do is vote him out of office.
10
I moved to NC last year and have found a wonderful community here in the western part of the state that embraces all types of people. I've had to spend the past year trying to convince my friends/family up north that it's not just a bunch of bigoted racist homophobic rednecks down here. Thank you Gov. Mc Crory and the legislature for setting NC back 100 years and showing the rest of the world how to pass laws that discriminate. I will certainly do my part to vote you out so you can go back to the hollars yall climbed out of.
6
Thank God for Mississippi?
The sooner we realize there is, in fact, no one to thank, the better.
Religion may have dragged humanity out of brutal ritual paganism, but it's been well over a thousand years since it was a force for good. Now it's mostly about hiding poor governance and keeping those in power comfortable.
The sooner we realize there is, in fact, no one to thank, the better.
Religion may have dragged humanity out of brutal ritual paganism, but it's been well over a thousand years since it was a force for good. Now it's mostly about hiding poor governance and keeping those in power comfortable.
5
As the religious right says they have the "right" to discriminate based on their religion, people and organizations have a right to not go there and direct money to those states. As Ellen says below, "there are consequences to bigotry". Sadly, however, it looks like the bigots would rather see their states become even poorer to support their bigotry.
5
A comment from a long-time TG who has always just gotten into and out of public restrooms just as fast as she can:
I hope that GLBT folks WILL go visit North Carolina, and that they, along with local transsexuals and crossdressers, will obey the law in droves. Walk proudly into that legally-mandated Mens Room, use the stall, come out and properly fix your makeup. Be absolutely polite in any meetings with other users of the facility, and leave with head high. Let North Carolina see us as we really are; not anyone to be ashamed nor afraid of.
If you're a traveler, look up GLBT-friendly lodgings on sites like Purple Roofs; no reason to hurt these folks!
I hope that GLBT folks WILL go visit North Carolina, and that they, along with local transsexuals and crossdressers, will obey the law in droves. Walk proudly into that legally-mandated Mens Room, use the stall, come out and properly fix your makeup. Be absolutely polite in any meetings with other users of the facility, and leave with head high. Let North Carolina see us as we really are; not anyone to be ashamed nor afraid of.
If you're a traveler, look up GLBT-friendly lodgings on sites like Purple Roofs; no reason to hurt these folks!
3
I have stopped listening to VPR/NPR. We drive a lot in Vermont and because of the first sentence, as well as the poor selection of music-playing stations in the state and a general weariness for my CD collection, I've become a rabid consumer of audio books. I am currently listening to "The Help" by Elizabeth Stockett. 1962 Jackson, Mississippi sounds like a miserable place and in 50+ years it appears not much has changed.
4
Until recently we were blissfully unconcerned about the sexual identity of the person in the next stall of the public restroom. Transgender citizens have been using the facilities with us for as long as public restrooms have been around, and in all that time. not one case where a trans person was charged with assaulting anyone in a restroom, a fact well-known to the GOP proponents of these laws. In order to keep their bigoted LGBTQ-phobic base, still angry about the marriage equality decision, riled up in an election year, suddenly safety of "our girls and women" requires stigmatizing a group of already marginalized, misunderstood Americans. The absence of of any charges or reports of assaults in all the decades of restroom sharing, shows how unnecessary and reprehensible these statutes are. And let's not forget Section II, the terrible pro-discrimination portions of the NC law - preventing any protections for LGBTQ citizens in hiring, employment, housing, medical care, adoptions, public accommodations, etc., (not just the "protect the bakers" law folks have been led to believe it is). And Section II, also prevents any city or municipality from increasing the minimum wage for ALL NCers, and forces anyone with a discrimination claim out of State Courts and into Federal Court, where it is more expensive and more complicated to file a claim, and has different deadlines an requirements. All in all, a horrible statute.
4
I agree with Elie Weisel, "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." I will only add that I can see the good Christians of those states belief is very strong, until money is involved.
3
This show of support is admirable. It would be lovely to think states would also face backlash for passing laws discriminating against women's reproductive rights.
7
All wars are about God or money. Even if the war is about God, it is about money — as we can see right there in North Carolina.
Let them take Custer's last stand on their self-righteous bigotry if they want to. After NC loses billions in business relationships, tourist dollars, federal funding for education, and a brain-drain that leaves them for dead, they'll come around.
Let them take Custer's last stand on their self-righteous bigotry if they want to. After NC loses billions in business relationships, tourist dollars, federal funding for education, and a brain-drain that leaves them for dead, they'll come around.
3
We have to be straight on things here. These laws are not specifically targeting LGBT, but since any label can be arbitrarily attached to anything that is how the laws will be known. These laws are unfortunately necessary to codify what is known by all as a matter of common sense. Men's lavatories are designed with certain amenities for men, and women's lavatories are designed with certain amenities for women, both rooms with the anatomy of the intended users in mind. Fundamentally, this issue has nothing to do with how a person may feel, want, or desire in his or her nature, but rather that person's physical construction.
Other perspectives on the matter have limited legitimacy, in that the break-down of these social restrictions will make it easier for perverts across the spectrum, from voyeurs to violent offenders, to violate the privacy or safety of either sex. This approach is only equitable when so much time is spent on prevention in many other places.
Are laws necessary to enforce these social restrictions? Sadly, yes. Our society has more and more allowed self-serving and self-centered attitudes and lack of personal fortitude to overcome, nay obliterate, discipline, consideration, and decency, instead making pandering excuses for why violations should be tolerated rather than teaching why violations should not occur in the first place. If social mores are not instilled at young age then adult enforcement is required thereafter.
Other perspectives on the matter have limited legitimacy, in that the break-down of these social restrictions will make it easier for perverts across the spectrum, from voyeurs to violent offenders, to violate the privacy or safety of either sex. This approach is only equitable when so much time is spent on prevention in many other places.
Are laws necessary to enforce these social restrictions? Sadly, yes. Our society has more and more allowed self-serving and self-centered attitudes and lack of personal fortitude to overcome, nay obliterate, discipline, consideration, and decency, instead making pandering excuses for why violations should be tolerated rather than teaching why violations should not occur in the first place. If social mores are not instilled at young age then adult enforcement is required thereafter.
So what are people in NC supposed to do? Walk around with their birth certificates in their possession? And those of them that complain and say it will "protect the children" I say it says more about the person that believes ever transgender person is a potential child molester than it says about transgender people. And now their economy is getting hit? Good. Get these bigots where they live - in their wallets.
4
Cherri Brown of Fayetteville ........you got that right!
You know what gives the lie to these state legislatures' "concern" about public safety? Twenty-three percent of college women report sexual assault or sexual misconduct on their campuses, while zero percent of women in general report the same in public rest rooms. And yet, which issue gets Republican lawmakers' attention and action in North Carolina and Mississippi?
They've created a solution to a non-existent problem. The marauding hordes of trans-gender predators exist only in these lawmakers' heads. Really, it makes one wonder about their mental health.
They've created a solution to a non-existent problem. The marauding hordes of trans-gender predators exist only in these lawmakers' heads. Really, it makes one wonder about their mental health.
4
Conservatives have promoted the idea that the free market knows best. Now what?
1
In Europe, where we travel often, there are many restroom facilities, including those at the Vatican Gift Shop (operated by the Vatican) where the restroom is a singular room in which there are multiple stalls all with full length doors for privacy and dignity. There are no separate men's and women's stalls. Men and women wait together in a common room waiting for a stall to be vacated. Once you are inside the stall, there is complete privacy. Sort of like being at home in the United States. We do not have gender specific restrooms in our homes. Also, at many theaters and public buildings throughout the United States restrooms are designated "Family" and that allows another kind of privacy and privacy for many who need assistance and privacy when using a restroom.
The outrageous legislation is not just a tempest in a toilet. It is an affront to the dignity, welfare, privacy and personal needs of many, many people. That includes lesbian, gay, transgender, cross dressers as well as many handicapped and disabled person and families with children.
It's time for the ultra-conservative, reactionary, backward, rightwing demagogues to end their tyranny and bigotry toward others. Let's renew our start of the 21st century with sensible legislation and respect for the rights of others. The outrageous legislation of the bathroom bigots is not about protecting the rights and privacy of children or anyone else. It is about promoting racism, bigotry and hatred for others.
The outrageous legislation is not just a tempest in a toilet. It is an affront to the dignity, welfare, privacy and personal needs of many, many people. That includes lesbian, gay, transgender, cross dressers as well as many handicapped and disabled person and families with children.
It's time for the ultra-conservative, reactionary, backward, rightwing demagogues to end their tyranny and bigotry toward others. Let's renew our start of the 21st century with sensible legislation and respect for the rights of others. The outrageous legislation of the bathroom bigots is not about protecting the rights and privacy of children or anyone else. It is about promoting racism, bigotry and hatred for others.
3
We're doing our part to #boycottnc...
Instead of a renting a beach house in the Outer Banks for vacation this summer as we were originally planning, we'll be heading to ME and NH.
And, we had been seriously thinking of traveling to Charlotte for a couple of days to see Bayern Munich play Internazionale Milano on July 30, but not now (instead, we'll likely go to NJ to see Bayern Munich play Real Madrid there on August 3).
We won't set foot in NC again, so long as the NC legislature and governor continue to pander to the haters and their prejudices.
Instead of a renting a beach house in the Outer Banks for vacation this summer as we were originally planning, we'll be heading to ME and NH.
And, we had been seriously thinking of traveling to Charlotte for a couple of days to see Bayern Munich play Internazionale Milano on July 30, but not now (instead, we'll likely go to NJ to see Bayern Munich play Real Madrid there on August 3).
We won't set foot in NC again, so long as the NC legislature and governor continue to pander to the haters and their prejudices.
3
I ski at app ski mountain in North Carolina three times a year. Guess I will be going else where.
2
"This law is not what Mississippi is about."
Unfortunately, it is substantially what Mississippi (and North Carolina) is about.
States cannot continue to elect a majority of regressive, bigoted lawmakers who, quite understandably, generate legislative atrocities such as these, and then say: "That's not what we're about".
That will not cut it any longer.
Unfortunately, it is substantially what Mississippi (and North Carolina) is about.
States cannot continue to elect a majority of regressive, bigoted lawmakers who, quite understandably, generate legislative atrocities such as these, and then say: "That's not what we're about".
That will not cut it any longer.
3
The conservative bubble is an amazing thing. That they were incapable of anticipating, in even the slightest way, that there would consequences to reinstituting bigotry and enshrining it in statute explains a great about their ideology and more importantly themselves. They are utterly incapable of seeing beyond themselves. That the larger world would take exception to choices like this, that people would begin to find these places and the people that voted these laws in as repulsive comes as a complete shock. They firmly believed that they were the mainstream and everyone else was the fringe. They felt that the masses would flock to their side (just like the Bundy's in Oregon). How wrong they both are.
3
In the area that I live in we have had unisex bathrooms for a long time, and I have noticed new signs on Men's and Women's rooms that welcome either sex in either bathroom.
I think this is way overblown and the NYT and commenters are loving to have a bone to chew on.
In the long run, no matter what happens with this bill, tourists will still come to NC.
On a brighter note, perhaps my state will not drown in people wanting to move here. My small town is in the process of having 30,000 new housing units and a veritable city built about the housing. There goes the neighborhood. We can now say goodbye to clean air and seeing the stars at night, but let's worry about bathrooms instead.
I think this is way overblown and the NYT and commenters are loving to have a bone to chew on.
In the long run, no matter what happens with this bill, tourists will still come to NC.
On a brighter note, perhaps my state will not drown in people wanting to move here. My small town is in the process of having 30,000 new housing units and a veritable city built about the housing. There goes the neighborhood. We can now say goodbye to clean air and seeing the stars at night, but let's worry about bathrooms instead.
This is how the free market works. If you voted to elect these officials and these laws are causing you to lose business then maybe next election cycle you will chose a different candidate.
3
'Changing Birth Certificate Sex Designations: State-By-State Guidelines; Updated on: 2/3/2015'
http://www.lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights/transgender/changing-birth-c...
According to the above web page (as of 3 Feb 2015), following sex reassignment surgery, the following four US states of IKOT will not issue a birth certificate reflecting the reassigned sex:
Idaho; Kansas; Ohio; Tennessee
Hence, to all those blithely stating that all one needs is an updated birth certificate: not if you were born in IKOT.
http://www.lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights/transgender/changing-birth-c...
According to the above web page (as of 3 Feb 2015), following sex reassignment surgery, the following four US states of IKOT will not issue a birth certificate reflecting the reassigned sex:
Idaho; Kansas; Ohio; Tennessee
Hence, to all those blithely stating that all one needs is an updated birth certificate: not if you were born in IKOT.
3
The backlash felt in Mississippi and North Carolina is a very good thing on several levels. Not only is it the morally correct thing to show support for our transgender neighbors, we all needed a reminder that we possess the power in the marketplace to strike back against bigots.
We don’t need the help of a Republican-controlled Congress to make our point.
Grand-standing politicians who use divisive hate-mongering to fan emotions of their base need to realize that there is a political price of such demagoguery. The vast majority of thinking Americans may begin to teach the know-nothings a valuable economic lesson on any number of issues.
We don’t need the help of a Republican-controlled Congress to make our point.
Grand-standing politicians who use divisive hate-mongering to fan emotions of their base need to realize that there is a political price of such demagoguery. The vast majority of thinking Americans may begin to teach the know-nothings a valuable economic lesson on any number of issues.
3
A prime author of the MS law is Rep. J. Andrew Gipson of the Jackson, MS branch of the New Orleans law firm of Jones Walker. So the bill is ok with New Orleans, right?
4
I am pleased for the LGBT community to see that this is a human rights issue that so many people consider their concern, leading to avoiding those states. I'd like to see the same kind of shunning of states that still have official use or incorporation of the Confederate flag (oh well, Mississippi is already being shunned for the LGBT laws - can we shun Mississippi twice?). I'm also saddened to think about how this did not happen all the years that people of color were kept out of bathrooms, hotels, restaurants, etc., and no one boycotted anything, or about the times when it was OK for a hotel to say "no Jews or dogs allowed". I hope this change in America is a permanent trend in greater respect for all people.
1
Let's not forget that North Carolina's law also took away the right of citizens to file suit in their state courts for discrimination. Under Republican control, the state is regressing at a furious pace.
3
While my sympathies lie entirely with the gay and transgender folks, one has to see that the prejudice of folks in North Carolina and elsewhere have not only a negative effect on tourism there among folks like me, but also a positive effect among those who share their prejudices. It is not at all clear which side is favored by the actions of the bigots in North Carolina.
If it keeps bigots out of my part of the country, I'm all for it. :)
If it keeps bigots out of my part of the country, I'm all for it. :)
1
I'm sorry, but this boycott The Tar Heel State, is a little too much over the top, given the nature of the law! I don't see it as being blatantly anti gay, and for crying out loud, how many transgender folks are out there anyway?! All things considerd, NC is a beautiful state, and those Blue Ridges of The Piedmont and the coastal areas by Wilmington are stunning! And I've always found North Carolina's folks very hospital, just like the folks in the old Borough Park, before it took on its ghetto mentality! Here again, I think this issue is media propelled to some extent! And you know what, I think they will now be more accommodating than ever! For full disclosure, I'm straight! I'm proud! And I'm going to book my next sojourn in North Carolina! Let he or she who has not sinned, cast the first stone...
1
Informative article for me. I had no idea anyone ever travelled to Mississippi.
2
We were trying to decide whether to go to Chicago (northern Blues) or the Delta and New Orleans (southern Blues). After Mississippi's law, we have booked for Chicago.
2
Wait...vacationing in Mississippi is a thing?
3
If the news and history are any indication, at this moment a heterosexual male store owner is illegally watching women in his bathrooms through a hidden camera or two way mirror. Specific laws against that sort of behavior do not affect the actions of the average heterosexual male. So exactly what sort of deterrent will these discriminatory laws be to men who decide to dress up as women just to assault them in a bathroom?
Seriously. This is a non-issue. No law will deter a pervert.
Seriously. This is a non-issue. No law will deter a pervert.
3
Did anyone else catch Governor McCrory's inane comment to "Meet the Press"? Is he really that dense?
1
I remember the segregated South of my childhood. The dogs and fire hoses used on black protestors. The "Negro only" signs. The segregated schools. All of it was repugnant, and it took decades before I was willing to visit the South again, lulled as I was into thinking things had changed.
They haven't. At least not enough. The Mississippi and North Carolina laws are such a huge step backward, to the stereotypes that made the South so awful. I cannot see myself visiting again. So legislators give yourselves a pat on the back. Not only will you not have transgender people in your bathrooms -- you won't have tourists in them either. My wallet and I are staying home.
They haven't. At least not enough. The Mississippi and North Carolina laws are such a huge step backward, to the stereotypes that made the South so awful. I cannot see myself visiting again. So legislators give yourselves a pat on the back. Not only will you not have transgender people in your bathrooms -- you won't have tourists in them either. My wallet and I are staying home.
3
People vacation in Mississippi?
3
Loving it! LOVING IT!
2
I have read many comments here saying to just vote out these republicans. The problem is that due to extensive gerrymandering the legislature does not represent the true diversity of the state. The recent voting restrictions only serve to further restrict the voice of all the people. Until there is equal representation of the people and easy access to voting, this sort of legislation will continue to happen here in NC.
Hopefully, in this case, the money will talk.
Hopefully, in this case, the money will talk.
6
If you drive through North Carolina on I-77 or I-95 next year, be wary of speed traps. We drove away all of our tourists and the state will be cash poor. The speeding-ticket revenue will cushion our fall. And we didn't want your big-city New York and Bugtussel, Iowa liberal values here, anyway.
2
I hate to condemn whole states for the actions of its politicians, but I have a hard time imagining Mississippi as a top tourist destination for anyone who values human rights. They never seem to be on the right side of history.
8
On the other hand, perhaps there'll be more tourism from the folks who agree with these decisions. I guess we'll find out who the majority is.
2
Maybe we should start a campaign to encourage people horrified by the idea of sharing a public bathroom with a transgender person to: #JustHoldIt
3
Sometimes the only way to get folks to do the right thing is to hit them in their wallet.
Whatever, I say hit them hard!
Whatever, I say hit them hard!
4
I am more than tired of hearing so-called Christians invoke their god of love and acceptance as justification for their hate and rejection of others.
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony
5
To all the good 'ole boys and girls that populate the governor's and legislators' offices of North Carolina and Mississippi who represent your "political majority": You made your point. Now it is time for the rest of the US to make ours...so good luck with your tourism and business economies. We'll just do drive-bys.
If you want to be a personal bigot, that should be personal to you. However, to force your bigoted views on those within your entire state who may totally disagree with you is dead wrong, whether its sexual, racial, political or otherwise.
It's just downright unAmerican, and so are you! So, too bad if your economy is negatively impacted. The one good thing inferred in this article, is that it is fortunate your stupidity in not nationally contagious. Consequently, the rest of us do not need to be vaccinated.
If you want to be a personal bigot, that should be personal to you. However, to force your bigoted views on those within your entire state who may totally disagree with you is dead wrong, whether its sexual, racial, political or otherwise.
It's just downright unAmerican, and so are you! So, too bad if your economy is negatively impacted. The one good thing inferred in this article, is that it is fortunate your stupidity in not nationally contagious. Consequently, the rest of us do not need to be vaccinated.
20
What do you have to do if you don't want to share a bathroom with bigots and fools?
39
Travel more. At the Paris airport, your first bathroom introduction is both genders using the same restroom. No urinals, just locked stalls and wash sinks.
3
That is incredible! Who knew? Sharon Stone is still making movies?
8
Sorry to pull a Godwin here, but all you citizens and businesses sure sound like a bunch of Germans going on about how you never supported the Nazis. Get off your butts and open up your wallets and vote the Republican creeps out of office. I don't care how nice you think your hotel is, I am boycotting your states until you have civilized governments.
39
Whether the people of these States voted these bigots into office by pulling the lever or helped give it to them by simply staying home the economic damage is their own fault. Actions (or inactions) have consequences.
2
This non-issue has become the issue in 2016.
So whether there is a law or no law, if you are man who looks like and dresses like Caitlin Jenner, everyone thinks you are a woman. So use the women's room. Just don't make an announcement, do your business, wash your hands and leave. No problem. No discussion. Nobody will know.
The question arises, however, should men who look like men, but feel like they are women and are uncomfortable using the men's room, be allowed to use the women's room? My answer is no. Deal with your insecurities and use the men's room.
So whether there is a law or no law, if you are man who looks like and dresses like Caitlin Jenner, everyone thinks you are a woman. So use the women's room. Just don't make an announcement, do your business, wash your hands and leave. No problem. No discussion. Nobody will know.
The question arises, however, should men who look like men, but feel like they are women and are uncomfortable using the men's room, be allowed to use the women's room? My answer is no. Deal with your insecurities and use the men's room.
15
The governor of NC made this an issue by a recently enacted law. He has gone so far as encouraging people to take photos of others suspected of not using the correct bathroom. Personally, I don't care who uses a stall next to me, or washes their hands in the same room. Feeling one has the right, and is sanctioned by their governor, to take photos in a public bathroom is what's really disgusting. So, no, this heterosexual female will not be traveling to NC, or purchasing anything online from the state's many small businesses.
3
The market at work . I am old enough to remember driving thru South Carolina before 95 was finished. A huge billboard met us " South Carolina Welcomes You" with a Klansman on a white horse. My Dad a World War two Jewish veteran of the 3rd Infantry Division ( Remember the Marne- that division suffered 85% casualties during WWII) said - no stopping here- and we picked up 95 in Georgia somewhere. We can spend where we want - that is the capitalist way . They can keep their heritage all they want - just not my money
41
As one of those "lower profile visitors" I will say that laws like this -- which seem designed to make the lives of others more difficult based upon strangely (mis)interpreted religious scruples -- do encourage me to plan to spend my vacation time elsewhere. While these laws have no impact on me personally as a straight female since birth, it deeply offends me that anyone would presume to impose their regressive and incorrect views of human sexuality and gender through legislation like this.
The U.S. is a country that was founded on the principles of tolerance with strict separation of the questions of religion and issues of government. It seems that some people/ constituent groups have serious accepting the historical and legal reality that the United States is NOT a religious nation -- It is a secular nation which conservative Christians continuously attempt to overthrow by a de facto coup d'etat.
The U.S. is a country that was founded on the principles of tolerance with strict separation of the questions of religion and issues of government. It seems that some people/ constituent groups have serious accepting the historical and legal reality that the United States is NOT a religious nation -- It is a secular nation which conservative Christians continuously attempt to overthrow by a de facto coup d'etat.
32
"We are leaving, You don't need us." (Crosby, Stills & Nash) The laws and the boycotts will all work out well for everyone concerned. Anti-immigrant laws and their backlashes will do the same. So will refusal to expand Medicaid. The end result will be that the states in question will be rid of all those people they really don't want or need, leaving just the very clean, very white, very straight, very righteous, very wealthy to their very own little Paradises. Quiet, sparsely populated, rarely visited, not bothered by all the hustle and bustle of the unwashed masses with their coarse economic and social activity - truly God's little acre, and exclusively their own God's at that.
17
The bathroom laws are written to assuage social conservatives incensed over what they consider a major loss in the cultural wars, namely the right for gay marriage. These laws and the ones designed to allow businesses to use a religious exception as an excuse to deny services they freely make available to others is the reactionary bigotry we once saw during and after the civil rights era codified into law. It's especially interesting how much the otherwise conservative business community is publicly upbraiding their backward political allies for making such kerfuffle over something only the most religious conservatives actually care about.
17
By the way, who is standing at restroom entrances to determine the original gender of persons entering?
And, who is asking a customer about their sexuality before they make a sale?
They deserve to lose money or go out of business if such a question is the prerequisite before doing business.
How STUPID if I ever saw stupid.
And, who is asking a customer about their sexuality before they make a sale?
They deserve to lose money or go out of business if such a question is the prerequisite before doing business.
How STUPID if I ever saw stupid.
21
No State is an island.
2
Rhode Island is. So is Hawaii if you get technical.
11
RI is not an island.
2
Hawaii is a chain of islands if you want to get real technical!
2
Despite objections to the contrary, what to make of the legal implications of Targets welcoming new policy? What happens if one child is molested by a man woman's clothing (claiming to be transgender) in the bathroom? Is Target ready for that lawsuit? Let's just agree that single-space restrooms are probably better policy for the future, and that future construction should include some single use facilities. Until now, stick with M and W, and everyone chill.
2
Plenty of children are molested by men in men's clothing. The most common molester of children is a male known to the young child. The biggest threat, in other words, is Uncle Larry and not some guy at Target.
Who is vetting their male relatives?
Who is vetting their male relatives?
5
Please stop with the scare mongering. Trans people have been using the restroom of the gender they identify with forever. Please, please people Get. A. Grip.
4
"Let's" agree that you are not part of a wider "Let's". You are a member of a minority.
4
Seriously? Who would want to vacation in either one of these states to begin with?
22
I have never known of anyone purposely traveling to either state. I cannot imagine going no matter what their laws and cement minds are.
2
Ever heard of the Outer Banks or the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Oh, right: West of the Mississippi. Probably not.
Oh, right: West of the Mississippi. Probably not.
1
Mississippi I can understand. They're ranked 49th or 50th in every measure of life in this country be it health, longevity and a lot more. North Carolina with Duke, UNC, NC State, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Charlotte and more is a real shocker. Goes to prove if you don't get out in vote the bigots and crackpots win.
I'll stay away as well, but, frankly, in Mississippi there wasn't much to interest me anyway.
I'll stay away as well, but, frankly, in Mississippi there wasn't much to interest me anyway.
33
My reaction about both these States exactly. I always associate Miss. with bigotry, as Emmett Till was murdered there.
21
Sure. But next time in Mississippi stop in Laurel. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Then research Free State of Jones. Come in winter.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-free-state-jones-180958...
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-free-state-jones-180958...
2
The crazy thing in NC is that this issue is just the straw that broke the camel's back. As you note, NC has several fine cities and world-class universities. Somehow, the sane folks let G.O.TP. take over the state, gerrymander districts right and left, and wind up with a state government that trashes the environment and is one of the nation's leaders in voter suppression.
I can't understand how a relatively moderate state let this happen, and unfortunately, I'm stuck with an annual trip to the Outer Banks. I guess I'll have to take my birth certificate in case I need to go to the men's room, though avoiding spending money in restaurants should lessen the need for that.
I can't understand how a relatively moderate state let this happen, and unfortunately, I'm stuck with an annual trip to the Outer Banks. I guess I'll have to take my birth certificate in case I need to go to the men's room, though avoiding spending money in restaurants should lessen the need for that.
3
Tourists go to Mississippi?
15
Yes, Have you heard of the Gulf of Mexico? It has a beach. Look it up if you don't believe me.
2
Tourists in Mississippi? I lived in Biloxi for 3 long years in USAF from 1950-53 during the Korean War. Now you understand how old I am. In those days - No air conditioning, no drinkable water, cruel Jim Crow laws, KKK ran Harrison County, etc. The local jest - "If North America has a hemorrhoid, we live on it". Study a map and you'll understand the grim anatomical humor. Sure, places get upgraded. But deep down? Don't kid yourself. Mississippi has earned its reputation.
5
The NC law is not only about bathrooms, what a careless description.
19
I would like to understand the bathroom thing. So if I, a 50 year old male, self-identify as a ten year old girl I can hang out all day in a women's locker room? Now that I think about it, I am in favor of transgenders being allowed to use of the facility of their choice.
5
You really think the law would allow a 50 year old transgender man ( regardless of your idiotic age stipulation) to "hang out in all day in a woman's locker room"!
You know there are still loitering laws don't y'all?
I'm sure if a 50 year old man hung out in a men's locker room all day someone would contact the authorities and he'd be picked up for loitering or vagrancy.
I'm glad we got that cleared up.
Let me guess, you're from Mississippi huh?
You know there are still loitering laws don't y'all?
I'm sure if a 50 year old man hung out in a men's locker room all day someone would contact the authorities and he'd be picked up for loitering or vagrancy.
I'm glad we got that cleared up.
Let me guess, you're from Mississippi huh?
23
Very funny. I'm sure that such voyeuristic and creepy actions wouldn't get you arrested, certainly not....
And if any 50-year-old male randomly decides to self-identify as a 10-year-old female child, then I suspect psychiatric treatment is where he'd wind up - not a women's locker room.
And if any 50-year-old male randomly decides to self-identify as a 10-year-old female child, then I suspect psychiatric treatment is where he'd wind up - not a women's locker room.
2
Good reading comprehension Bob, interpreting "Iowa" to mean "Mississippi". As to your loitering point, I am perfectly capable of taking a 12 hour shower, which could hardly be considered loitering. And if you try to throw me out, I'll sue you for violating my civil rights.
1
Are there no physicists in the legislatures of these two "great" states? Someone who can explain, in bible-speak, Isaac Newton's laws of motion to their respective legislative assemblies? Specifically, his third?
2
I wonder what Republican Senator Larry Craig has to say? Imagine Mississippi Burning famous spot for killing Schwerner, Chaney, and Goodman do the right thing for Civil Rights? These children of the KKK do what they are good at. Demagoguery hate intolerance awaits you'll as you can buy a rebel flag, spout you hate for your fellow man, woman, transgender person. Do it all under your hateful aegis of Christian values. You might see Chris Chritie scare as he kisses your baby. You won't hear Bruce Springsteen sing live Born in the USA
11
Larry Craig would be required to use the men's room, where he would most likely try to socialize with other men with amorous intent, his "wide stance" notwithstanding.
2
Republicans, neither at the federal nor at the state level, don't have anything on offer that betters the life of the middle class family: living wages, affordable housing and health care, clean air and water, affordable education. In the pursuit to cling on to power (and their jobs) they are drafting policies addressing non-existent problems ('tempest in the toilet") that are tailored to the conservative minority in gerrymandered districts. Note, that unlike infrastructure or education, they don't cost a dime. Sadly, and perfectly in line with the republican "strategery", it is the the urban, democratic districts that are taking the brunt of the cancelled conventions, concerts and hotel bookings.
23
Vis a vis the NC case in question, how in God's name is it bigotry to ask a self-indentified transgender individual (the key issue here) to use a gender appropriate bathroom? This is madness. Political correctness taken to an extreme when we let a tiny, tiny minority put their desires before the rest of us. I'm convinced a properly executed poll would put this nonsense to rest in a heartbeat.
6
That is just silly.....Read the bill...
5
I'm not referring to the bill but to the recent court case brought by the high school student.
3
I agree but remember this is the liberal NYT. The readers are overwhelmingly progressive and left wing.
3
It is the Republican mantra to let the market sort all things out. Let us all stand back and enjoy the show.
20
"The first thing we did after the bill was passed was to put up a banner on our website that says ‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’ because that’s how we feel. This law is not what Mississippi is about.”
Well, apparently the law is what the state and its voting residents are about.
Well, apparently the law is what the state and its voting residents are about.
16
We all are just tired of y'all... you send insulting bigots to our Senate and House, you sabatoge aid to us when crisis hits, you have contempt for everything in the bill of rights except the that which enambles killing of children and any body other than whites, you have debased christianity to hate pastorials. So we will treat you like the fascists you have become. We won't come visit, let Disney become empty, close all the federal bases in your bigotted states. You can have Cruz, the Tennessee book and your children who die from your lack of compassion and investment. Inherit the wind, Jim Crow. Zeka and small heads, you already have. God Bless You, now stop being with us!
13
For those motivated to enact these laws based on what you read in the bible, I must ask this: When you read the bible, how do you choose what to obey as god's word, and what to dismiss as irrelevant? I want to know because that book calls cooking shellfish and pork on the sabbath 3 abominations. And if you do those things, what laws should we enact to marginalize you? Should they be as harsh as those enacted against LGBT folk?
17
I used to work at a professional sports venue and I saw little girls in the mens' room all the time with their male guardians. Does that make them perverts? Does that make me a pervert because I behaved like she wasn't there?
10
So let me get this straight- The fear is the possibility that "little girls" may be accosted by male transgenders in a public restroom? OK- Let's compromise. Suspend the law until there are 10 documented cases of voter fraud- If that happens, I'll be the first to apologize and become an ardent supporter of the ban.
5
There are easier ways to learn about burns than by touching a hot stove, but sometimes that is the only way learning occurs and it hurts. I hope they learn from their pain.
11
Ms Linda G. Hornsby says "‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’ because that’s how we feel. This law is not what Mississippi is about.”
----------------------------------------
Wait, didn't the people of Mississippi vote for the politicians who wrote and passed the law? They are saying their constituents are the ones who told them to do it. So, sorry Ms. Hornsby; the law IS what Mississippi is about. The people elect the politicians who pass the laws, period.
----------------------------------------
Wait, didn't the people of Mississippi vote for the politicians who wrote and passed the law? They are saying their constituents are the ones who told them to do it. So, sorry Ms. Hornsby; the law IS what Mississippi is about. The people elect the politicians who pass the laws, period.
23
What ever happened to government not interfering in people's lives? But in this case it is doing exactly that. And disguising it as religious freedom. What is sad though is that a lot of people who oppose this religious law will also suffer.
6
Wait a second. People tour in North Carolina?
That's news in and of itself!
That's news in and of itself!
It's beautiful here, actually. Check it out after this disaster is fixed.
1
Once again the solution is for progressives to organize at the state level, so that after the 2020 election, census, and consequent redistricting, either they will be doing the gerrymandering or, preferably, pass laws placing the drawing of election districts in the hands of a truly independent commission.
9
HA! Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't a fully transgendered person not only go through hormone therapy, but possess the genitalia of the opposite sex from their birth??? So if I understand this 'law' correctly, a transgendered female who is now a male has to use the women's restroom and vice versa. Hey, really well thought out in the one day it took to pass this legislation. It doesn't take a tree full of owls to figure this will have the opposite effect as intended.
And in this era of 12,000 gun deaths a year, global warming threatening environmental collapse, 20% increase in traffic fatalities, I see the N Carolina legislature knows to focus on more of the same hometown southern bigotry that caused the south to change party affiliation after passage of the Civil Rights Bill in 1964. Time change but attitudes apparently don't.
And in this era of 12,000 gun deaths a year, global warming threatening environmental collapse, 20% increase in traffic fatalities, I see the N Carolina legislature knows to focus on more of the same hometown southern bigotry that caused the south to change party affiliation after passage of the Civil Rights Bill in 1964. Time change but attitudes apparently don't.
19
the law extends to self-identified transgendered persons who still possess their cis-gendered genitalia
I find both laws to be atrocious and a waste of time as well (especially the egregious sneaking around in NC, slipping in lots of other garbage into the bill with the apparent security of knowing people would latch on to the restroom controversy and never even pick up on the rest). But it should be clarified that the law says transgendered individuals must use the designated restroom for the gender listed in their birth certificates. Post-op, fully transitioned men and women can seek and obtain a new birth certificate reflecting the change - they are not bound permanently to their original documentation's designation.
Of course, many people take years to full transition; it's a long process both physically, socially, and emotionally. And they spend years dressing and grooming, and taking medication to begin and continue the change, during which time they typically dress as the sex opposite from their at-birth designation. Which restroom shall they use? Some say they should go ahead as though their birth certificate had already been altered, because they'll "pass" anyway and no one will notice. But that's still a violation of the law, and they'd have little recourse if somehow they were caught, given the law's details. What then??
Of course, many people take years to full transition; it's a long process both physically, socially, and emotionally. And they spend years dressing and grooming, and taking medication to begin and continue the change, during which time they typically dress as the sex opposite from their at-birth designation. Which restroom shall they use? Some say they should go ahead as though their birth certificate had already been altered, because they'll "pass" anyway and no one will notice. But that's still a violation of the law, and they'd have little recourse if somehow they were caught, given the law's details. What then??
1
I imagine that Mississippi's reputation as the vacation capital of the United States will be taking a serious blow here.
15
There are 50 great states in this country. Not traveling to 2 of them does not bother me in the slightest.
17
As the hypocrisy. Where is the backlash against states with horrific anti-abortion laws?
I guess it's only a thing when white males are offended.
I guess it's only a thing when white males are offended.
5
Oh please what a silly meme. This is getting tiresome
4
What about the rights of women? Does their rights come into play at all. Doesn't seem fair to me. I could care less about a transgender going into the ladies room, however how do you justify not protecting women from perverts from being protected by transgender laws.
Sorry I'm not trying to cause transgender from feeling bad but what about the rights of women.
Sorry I'm not trying to cause transgender from feeling bad but what about the rights of women.
4
Have you ever heard of a transgender person molesting anyone in the ladies loo?
16
Oh, I see your problem, you think transgender people are freaks.
You would prefer fine upstanding people like Ted Haggard, Larry Craig, Dennis Hastert, David Vitter, Mark Sanford and John Ensign I imagine?
You know, normal people.
You would prefer fine upstanding people like Ted Haggard, Larry Craig, Dennis Hastert, David Vitter, Mark Sanford and John Ensign I imagine?
You know, normal people.
17
There's an inconvenient truth. The same folks who exploit their own senses of revulsion to promote opposition to people they don't know are the folks who deny climate science, and indeed all kinds of rational and compassionate approaches to big problems.
The purpose of the boycotts and the pressure on jurisdictions that give in to these folks is to weaken, and ultimately defeat, them politically.
The life of the world depends on defeating them. To say there are bigger problems in the world than who gets to use which bathroom is true. But it misses the point of the boycott actions against jurisdictions like NC and MS, which is to use the self-inflicted weaknesses of the anti-science crowd against them.
The purpose of the boycotts and the pressure on jurisdictions that give in to these folks is to weaken, and ultimately defeat, them politically.
The life of the world depends on defeating them. To say there are bigger problems in the world than who gets to use which bathroom is true. But it misses the point of the boycott actions against jurisdictions like NC and MS, which is to use the self-inflicted weaknesses of the anti-science crowd against them.
7
It's particularly ironic and absurd that proponents of the NC law (including Ted Cruz) are "concerned" that straight men will dress up in drag so they can sneak into women's public bathrooms and sexually assault women. This cruel and illogical law does not prevent or punish heterosexual male predators or reduce rape...it simply punishes transgender people and increases their already high risk of being violently assaulted. If you are trying to diminish rape by straight men, develop policies and legislation that focus on straight men who attack, not LGBT people who are simply trying live their lives peacefully and who by the way pay taxes that support the state of NC.
13
I'm Intersex. Although biologically female, I have a syndrome that made me look more like a boy at birth. Don't worry, that reverses later.
But it does mean I have "boy" on my UK birth certificate.
I appreciate the warning by the UK Foreign Office that I'd be breaking the law if I used a female restroom at the airport in NC now, and instead of just carrying my (female) passport, I'd have to carry my (male)birth certificate.
Being publicly labelled a "disgusting pervert, criminal, pedophile and child-molestor" by a presidential candidate in a society where many people carry guns doesn't exactly give me warm fuzzies about my safety anywhere in the US.
I've been to the US several times, invited to give presentations at academic conferences. I'm now regretfully refusing such invitations until this insanity remits. Not as bad as a Jew going to Germany in the 30s, or even a Black going to Mississippi in the 50s, but it's a difference of degree, not kind. With bills like NCs in the pipeline in what, 14 states? Or is it 18? it's not just a problem in NC.
But it does mean I have "boy" on my UK birth certificate.
I appreciate the warning by the UK Foreign Office that I'd be breaking the law if I used a female restroom at the airport in NC now, and instead of just carrying my (female) passport, I'd have to carry my (male)birth certificate.
Being publicly labelled a "disgusting pervert, criminal, pedophile and child-molestor" by a presidential candidate in a society where many people carry guns doesn't exactly give me warm fuzzies about my safety anywhere in the US.
I've been to the US several times, invited to give presentations at academic conferences. I'm now regretfully refusing such invitations until this insanity remits. Not as bad as a Jew going to Germany in the 30s, or even a Black going to Mississippi in the 50s, but it's a difference of degree, not kind. With bills like NCs in the pipeline in what, 14 states? Or is it 18? it's not just a problem in NC.
32
We don't make laws based on .000000001% of the population.
The definition of mixed emotions is Mississippi considering a bill to reverse its anti-LGBT legislation; but in order to have it considered it has to be named the Mississippi Economic Tourism and Business Recovery Act, and not the Let's Stop Discriminating Against People and Calling it Religious Freedom Act.
13
I have a very basic question that nobody seems to be raising, and that is, how on earth is this going to be enforced?
13
Let Ted Cruz examine everybody- he's the only one making a big deal over this...
9
Ostracism works on all scales: from apartheid in South Africa to state-by-state battles to end bigoted laws. And by ostracism, I mean hitting politicians where it hurts: money. Take away their money and watch people start yammering.
5
I just realized that comment sections are built so that the most committed members of both sides of an argument can yell at each other pointlessly while offending everyone somehow. I'm so tired of commenting, but I'm addicted to it because of the horrible comments I read as a (Trans)woman. Please NYT, shut down comments sections!! I can't stop, you need to do this.
3
I agree. Talking at cross-purposes.
My husband was wheelchair bound before there were "family" public bathrooms, and I would take him into whichever bathroom, men or women, was more empty of people. There was always someone there, and nobody seemed to care about a man and a woman coming in together. I admit it was a little strange when a man at a urinal started talking to us in a friendly way, but I got over that, just like everyone in the bathrooms got over us. Unisex bathrooms with stalls are a great idea IMO. Makes life a lot easier for everybody.
30
And here in the Northeast we don't have this problem because we don't have any public bathrooms. However, don't get caught relieving yourself in public or you might be charged with a sex crime. So in many ways coming here is far worse.
5
It's noteworthy that all of the NYT's picks are critical of the state laws, reflecting the unbiased position of the NYT's censors. But this attitude is typical of the left's kneejerk reaction to any position that opposes the rapid expansion of LGBT "rights". If you take any position that does not favor expanded LGBT rights on any issue, then you must be a bigot whose opinion should be condemned. There has been a disturbing shift in the way the media report these issues over the past 5-10 years where articles are written with a clear LGBT slant.
6
Women's bathrooms have individual stalls with inside locks to ensure privacy and safety for each user. I don't understand what the real "problem" is, except for southern Republican white men to express their bigotry toward their fellow human beings who happen to be born transgender.
Why not let biology, science, reason, common sense, and compassion inform us about this new information that, yes, we do have a few transgender humans among us... and they do go to school too. Let them decide their gender and bathroom. I've never heard of a case where a transgender person molested anyone in a bathroom. I imagine they only want to do their business in a stall and then leave.
Why not let biology, science, reason, common sense, and compassion inform us about this new information that, yes, we do have a few transgender humans among us... and they do go to school too. Let them decide their gender and bathroom. I've never heard of a case where a transgender person molested anyone in a bathroom. I imagine they only want to do their business in a stall and then leave.
58
Unfortunately, there have been two recent cases at Canadian Universities where originally biological men claiming to identify as women have entered women's locker rooms, change areas and showers. Since they are just escorted out instead of being arrested and charged, the incentive to re-offend is high. In fact, one man has been escorted out of a municipal swimming pool change area for women over 4 times (maybe more by now).
Hopefully these are the only two states that Ted Cruz and others like him feel that they can safely (psychologically that is) go to a public toilet.
21
An issue I have is that just this month the High Point furniture fair was in NC and the LGBT community is heavily represented this industry, yet as I checked in almost no one cancelled there trip. If the LGBT community cannot muster a decent boycott, why should everyone else pick up the slack? As one of the karst conventions in any state, this was a grand opportunity wasted by apathy and lame ideas about changing it from the inside.
1
Hard to believe that we now call men in mens bath rooms and women in women's bathrooms. bigotry. When does the liberal agenda stop? I know the answer..when I give up my beliefs and am forced to accept yours. Sounds like China, the old Soviet Union or Cuba.
5
It is high time that a man who ran for governor of NC on a "more jobs" program has someone run against him as the "Anti-Job McCrory." But I doubt he Democratic Party has the nerve to take control of this situation and do anything much about it. So far it is the business community which has had the nerve to say much.
3
Me and the family have been planning our North Carolina vacation weeks all day. Tomorrow we look into all that Mississippi has to offer. It's gonna be great ! Make America Great again. I finally found something that Trump said, I can use.
3
Won't set foot in either state until these laws are over-turned. I have also advised many foreign friends against visiting or investing in either state. Hate should not pay.
10
If the good Lord wanted all different types in Christian bathrooms he would have invented a religion where people were kind to each other, were non-judgmental, and offered help to people who were oppressed. Hey wait one minute....
18
Based on these bizarre laws, and on the bizarre reactions by some politicians and commenters, a number of Americans haven't figured out the difference between "transgender" and "transvestite." If a woman undergoes the complicated transgendering process to become a man, and then is forced to use a restroom based on original gender, he (formerly she) is going to be coerced into the women's restroom, not the other way around ... duh! How dense can people be?
P.S. Apologies if "transgendering" isn't the correct term. I don't know all the lingo. I just know that people who constantly worry about such stuff, including Ted Cruz and the legislators in NC and MS, are complete idiots.
P.S. Apologies if "transgendering" isn't the correct term. I don't know all the lingo. I just know that people who constantly worry about such stuff, including Ted Cruz and the legislators in NC and MS, are complete idiots.
13
BINGO! BINGO! BINGO! That is one of the major problems I have had trying hard to explain to my neighbors and such exactly what this bill entails. The problem is that the majority refuses to listen or even open their minds to listen. They refuse to understand. The ones that finally comprehend what I'm saying have apologized and have said that they will try to spread the word. I hope they do. What bothers me the most about what has happened is that a good portion of these people, including a family member, consider themselves Christians, like myself. Unfortunately, when I have pointed out that the words of Jesus focus on love, for all of our neighbors, (He didn't give us a list), the basic responses I receive are scorn, anger and suspicion of my faith. It's depressing. But, I'll keep banging my head against the wall while praying. On the positive side, the few that listened have spoken out on Facebook, with their families and even in their stores. They have also said they understand the boycott and accept it. It sounds stupid, but maybe dropping a whole bunch of notices or something from the sky, might help educating people? I don't know. But, my family has moved our vacations out of North Carolina and Mississippi. We love our visits to the mountains and lakes where we camp out and hike. I'll miss it more than I can say. But, we won't accept the refusal to love all of our neighbors, no matter who they are. The Lord would be very disappointed if we did.
When are all the southern Neanderthals learn that we are in the 21st century. Discrimination in that part of the United States has been a staple for hundreds of years.
8
There is a substantial body of new, emerging information about Neanderthals and how they lived. Language, culture, ritual. If they were alive today, you would owe them an apology.
Yeah--just like all those California Neanderthals who supported Proposition 22.
1
Such beautiful states, so much bigotry. This is holding a mirror up to the legislators in these states to reflect how the rest of the country and the world see them. The South is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and many of the people are friendly and welcoming. Most cities are more broad minded. But I've known African-Americans who still would not drive through the South for fear of residual profiling and prejudice. They (and I for that matter) do not see the Confederate flag as a heritage symbol. Money talks. It is the only reason that Georgia has not yet followed these two states back into the 19th century.
5
Great news.
1
So this is the most important issue facing us, who gets to use the bathroom? Past-the-breaking-point world human overpopulation, Salafists and mad dictators with nuclear weapons, an ever accelerating pace of environmental destruction, rising seas, the return of the dark ages. We have toilets. They work.
5
Typical meme today, again. Read the bill. Easy to google
1
Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo
To 'meet your Waterloo' is to be defeated
I expect the "Invasion of the Body Changers" to be defeated, and to um "'meet their Waterloo at the um water loo"
Too good to resist
- -
We in the NEW 'Birther' movement (you make your bathroom um movement according to your birth gender), do not see The Potty Liberation Front as very core to gender freedom, more as bullying, assault on Western Civilization. Exclamation Point. Capital Letters Also. nihilism
(there ARE enforcement issues)
(1)to those who force a choice, what we believe, vs jobs, I cite to Johny Paycheck - 'take this job and shove it'
(2) To those who force choice between principle and compromise I applaud the opportunity to choose
- we don't often get to Take A Stand (not to be confused with Women Stand Up For Equal Rights at the Urinal of Your Choice!)
(3) But, per debate, the Occupy Toilet Movement asserts
"Why Do You Care If I Am In 'your' Bathroom??!!'
I respond, since these folks care with great distress about who is in 'THEIR' bathroom, or what word / icon is on the door, enough to make fools, martyrs, crusaders, litigants, political candidates, of themselves or so it seems -
- the same impact is on our side, as important to you, the attributes of your lav are, that is OUR importance, how important it is to us; if confused at opposition, look in the mirror
Mostly a convenient issue for lefto bullying
greatest good anyone?
To 'meet your Waterloo' is to be defeated
I expect the "Invasion of the Body Changers" to be defeated, and to um "'meet their Waterloo at the um water loo"
Too good to resist
- -
We in the NEW 'Birther' movement (you make your bathroom um movement according to your birth gender), do not see The Potty Liberation Front as very core to gender freedom, more as bullying, assault on Western Civilization. Exclamation Point. Capital Letters Also. nihilism
(there ARE enforcement issues)
(1)to those who force a choice, what we believe, vs jobs, I cite to Johny Paycheck - 'take this job and shove it'
(2) To those who force choice between principle and compromise I applaud the opportunity to choose
- we don't often get to Take A Stand (not to be confused with Women Stand Up For Equal Rights at the Urinal of Your Choice!)
(3) But, per debate, the Occupy Toilet Movement asserts
"Why Do You Care If I Am In 'your' Bathroom??!!'
I respond, since these folks care with great distress about who is in 'THEIR' bathroom, or what word / icon is on the door, enough to make fools, martyrs, crusaders, litigants, political candidates, of themselves or so it seems -
- the same impact is on our side, as important to you, the attributes of your lav are, that is OUR importance, how important it is to us; if confused at opposition, look in the mirror
Mostly a convenient issue for lefto bullying
greatest good anyone?
1
Mississippi and North Carolina don't exactly come to mind as places to take a vacation anyway. Maybe they should up the ante and do something interesting and original like seceding from the union.
11
Many States which have net outflow of Federal (tax) dollars are invited to secede and form the United States of Solvency
6
Perhaps the dollar will ultimately triumph as an instrument of social justice. Wouldn't that be somewhat ironic?
5
Any man that goes into the little girls bathroom should have his teeth knocked out.
4
Wow. Oh wait....Florida
16
Many New Yorkers Agree with the man from Florida ! Knock out the teeth of some pervert waiting for little girls, and women in their bathrooms.
The NBA was cowardly not to follow the examples of companies big and small protesting the outrageous anti-gay laws passed in MS and NC. They should pull out of the Charlotte All Star location. And the players have been silent too, unlike during the Clipper fiasco two years ago. As a black male basketball fan, I am not a happy camper during these playoffs.
9
Males prostituting their values? Not likely.
If concerned citizens of NC boycott NBA games they'll learn fast.
"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Jesus
Jesus
9
Amen.
God created them male and female, no mention of either of them Transmogrifying into the other so they can enjoy their particular perversion.
"ALWAYS WELCOME" -----------except gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, Blacks, Jews, Moslems, Meicans....etc ad infinidum.
Why would anyone WANT to visit these bigoted states??
Why would anyone WANT to visit these bigoted states??
26
Money is the only thing that responds to bigotry outside of violence. Let the politicians in Mississippi and North Caroline eat cake as their tourist and lodging industries suffer. Always Welcome campaigns such as Charlotte's do nothing to pressure their legislatures for repealing acts such as HB2; moving money from economies do. Keep the money flowing out, where it is welcomed by all.
14
Yup, which is why I LOVE NEW YORK, and Massachusetts, and California, and....
2
If you want to know if boycotts work, just ask South Africa.
11
I will humbly suggest to built all public restrooms individually with an all gender sign, complete with a urinal, toilet, and diaper changing table.......Mey.
2
Put urinals in stalls just big enough for one obese male. The men's room in our public library has a diaper changing table.
Time to consider staying away from open carry states or at least states smuggling the most guns into states prohibiting check-free purchases
8
It will be interesting to see the reaction of these people, who believe their religious beliefs have been trampled by LGBT equity, when their true beliefs--in the almighty dollar--are truly infringed!
9
It is high time for Americans in the Home of the Brave stop supporting Fear Monger politicians who sell hate and fright of all things "OTHER'. These mostly older white males long for a by gone era where they could control their environment due solely to the color of their skin. The U.S.A. Is becoming much stronger thanks to its melting pot of color and cultures. Diversity has ruled the day and our mixed race President has overcome being a lightning rod with his intellect and integrity and that incredible demeanor. The current Fear Mongers that through Gerrymandering and voter suppression are breathing their last gasps will soon be part of our striving for a more perfect union history. Obamanos!
17
"This law is not what Mississippi is about" says Ms. Hornsby of the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association.
Oh, yes it is, Ms. Hornsby. The majority of people in that state (and North Carolina, as well) elected nutcase Republicans to control their legislatures and control the governor's office.
It is who you are and no verbal denial from any of you will change the fact that both states prove how very desperately The South (and its GOP cronies) is still trying to rise again.
Hope the "backlash" smacks really hard and wide. Y'all deserve it.
Oh, yes it is, Ms. Hornsby. The majority of people in that state (and North Carolina, as well) elected nutcase Republicans to control their legislatures and control the governor's office.
It is who you are and no verbal denial from any of you will change the fact that both states prove how very desperately The South (and its GOP cronies) is still trying to rise again.
Hope the "backlash" smacks really hard and wide. Y'all deserve it.
18
Isn't there a better way to do this? Put a rainbow triangle up in your hotel, restaurant, gas station etc. . . . and the rest of us should drop our cash. That way everyone's not punished for the views of the people in their town, and courage is rewarded. Young people in Mississippi need to hear from someone other than bigoted family members.
3
As a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, I am appalled. I now live in Virginia, but was planning to send my daughter (now 14) to my alma mater for a veterinarian degree. I will now concentrate on Virginia Tech. We (my daughter and I) agree that this law is just as bad as being racist or sexist.
18
Recently, Bruce Springsteen refused his company's services by cancelling a show in North Carolina due to Mr. Springsteen's "feelings" towards recent legal LGBT issues in NC. (PS I love Bruce), but as a legal question goes, can a business owner refuse his or her business's services based on their "feelings"?
ie. Christian, Islamic, Jewish baker etc not baking a cake with two grooms etc.
ie. Christian, Islamic, Jewish baker etc not baking a cake with two grooms etc.
2
Pete - Isn't a test case needed?
he's not a business owner. he's an artist. the rules for businesses don't apply.
5
The difference is that the baker, for example, is refusing to serve a customer based on who they are (being gay). Springsteen isn't discriminating against a group of people based on who they are (that is, he isn't singling out North Carolinians qua North Carolinians) but is refusing to play in a state because of a law it passed.
3
Backlash can work two ways. Those performers and companies that are boycotting NC or Mississippi may also be subject to boycott themselves by people who agree with the laws. Target Corporation stated that their bathrooms would be open to transgender individuals to use according to the sex with which they identify. Now over 400,000 people have signed a pledge to boycott Target.
2
1. Those people can sign their name?
and
2. What will they do when Walmart does the same?
You can only buy so much at Hobby Lobby.
and
2. What will they do when Walmart does the same?
You can only buy so much at Hobby Lobby.
11
In response to underwater:
Their punishment is having to shop at Walmart.
Their punishment is having to shop at Walmart.
15
I have gone this evening to buy from Target and will every day that II can, and I have disposable income, lots of grand children and a few greatgrands too to buy for
13
Do southern racists/homophobes really think that everyone else will just line up behind them? Apparently they do. But it's like Forrest Gump said: "Stupid is, as stupid does".
14
Down in Hendersonville, N.C., deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains of western N.C., the cast of the upcoming "Dirty Dancing" sequel hasn't raised a peep about the North Carolina anti-LGBT bill. Its stars are Deborah Messing and Billy Dee Williams. Take note.
2
What else is there to say but "good".
4
I feel empowered. Easy to find the many tourist boards mentioned in this article and drop them an email telling them I don't plan to visit and why. Vote with your dollars, euro, and feet. I suspect these bans will not last against the onslaught of a determined and unified customer base
9
The irony of all this is that when one looks at Mississippi, one of if not the poorest state in the union, I guess the idea is here to make it even poorer. Clearly, the politicians do not care, make people afraid of others that are different from you , cut education to keep them dumb and you will make sure to get elected over and over.
17
Yet, Deus, Ole Miss is one of the best state universities in the country.
Go figure.
Go figure.
The right wing extremists are in total control of NC and Mississippi. Those of us who do not live in those places should not be the only ones rising up by staying away. Time for the locals who reject the fundamentalists to do something about the mess they are in.
14
Believe me, we can't wait for Election Day.
Catholic and Evangelical fundamentalist opposition to 12 week abortion in Mexico City was contested with regressive anti-abortion legislation… in 16 Mexican states! (Bible belt politics reaches as far as Mexico and beyond). How did Evangelical fundamentalists arrive to Mexico? Well, here is a story:
https://www.academia.edu/20276705/EVANGELICALISM_IN_MEXICO_CITY_RELIGIOU...
https://www.academia.edu/20276705/EVANGELICALISM_IN_MEXICO_CITY_RELIGIOU...
2
I don't understand this. Does the law mean that you have to show your birth certificate in order to enter a rest room? If not, how would the law be enforced? And how did this all start? After all, people of all genders have been quietly using rest rooms all along without any interference as far as I know. All very puzzling and apparently mean-spirited.
17
While I generally like to make a trip to the Outer Banks when I can, I won't in the near future. However, I'm not cancelling my backpacking trip to the Smokies this summer, but only because it's under the purview of our federal government (and I won't be spending a dime outside the park).
15
I am an old white straight former Air Force officer and surgeon. One might think that this would make me sympathetic to North Carolina and Mississippi. Au contraire. The conduct of the legislatures in those two states tells me that these are states that support bigotry at all levels. It reinforces my impression that the south is still full of the crackers similar to those characterized in the movie Deliverance. Why would I want to spend time or money in states where anyone "who is not like us" gets treated so poorly?
27
Let's see the overall hotel bookings when the PC outrage fizzles.
There may be cancellations, but that doesn't calculate how many more visitors who like the law will be vacationing and conducting business there.
And a lot of families with adolescent children who don't want them to have to share school lockers and showers with transsexuals may move there.
And why is it that the media rarely mentions that provision of the law, the affirmative stance that school children will not be forced to undress in front of, or see the undressed bodies of other adolescents with sexual identity issues?
There may be cancellations, but that doesn't calculate how many more visitors who like the law will be vacationing and conducting business there.
And a lot of families with adolescent children who don't want them to have to share school lockers and showers with transsexuals may move there.
And why is it that the media rarely mentions that provision of the law, the affirmative stance that school children will not be forced to undress in front of, or see the undressed bodies of other adolescents with sexual identity issues?
3
And how, Jay, would these school children, in the absence of this law, be "forced" to see these other kids' undressed bodies? Strapped down with their eyes clamped open like Malcolm McDowell in "A Clockwork Orange"?
4
To the great astonishment of the tourist industry in Mississippi and North Carolina, the rest of the county are not backwoods Bible thumpers, such as dominate the state legislatures.
8
This is all worse than most of these comments bring out. The progressive sections of the State of North Carolina have had their power diminished by their state legislature, which skewed the power to the rural counties. This was done because the rural counties are reliably Republican and the urban areas aren't. This has kept the control of the state with the reactionary elements of North Carolina. It has worked well until now, but as the cities grow and the composition of the population changes the age old bigotry of the radical right pseudo Christians will burn away like the fog on the coast of North Carolina.
19
Those KKK conventions aren't what they used to be and bigotry is finally be faced head on by a new generation. It's time for the south to get on-board.
"Times they are a changin."
Bob Dylan
"Times they are a changin."
Bob Dylan
14
I want to visit for the barbecue though...
1
It's hardly worth a special trip just for the BBQ. It's not like they have special pigs or unique ingredients in NC.
I am trying to remember the last time I went into a public restroom to look at someone else in the process of the using the same facility for the usual purposes.
I can't.
Can you?
Anyone?
(From childhood - I was born during WWII...most of us were taught to mind our own "business.")
Main thing is, for heaven's sake...WASH YOUR HANDS post-ridding yourself of that which is no longer necessary to the maintenance of your body!
I can't.
Can you?
Anyone?
(From childhood - I was born during WWII...most of us were taught to mind our own "business.")
Main thing is, for heaven's sake...WASH YOUR HANDS post-ridding yourself of that which is no longer necessary to the maintenance of your body!
22
Notice to Barbara: Attention- the world has moved on while you were doing something else. Instead of male and female being the only options, many other options have received public attention, including men who feel like they are really women, and women who feel that they are really men. Many have chosen to act on these deep convictions by using drugs, and sometimes surgery to live their life as they perceive it. They dress the part, too and behave accordingly. They haven't molested little girls nor would they want too. Please learn about the world as it is now, not how it used to be.
21
While I find it encouraging that the nation is responding to theses discriminatory laws, I wonder why there is not a similar response when states pass anit-abortion laws that are horrifically discriminatory against women. Women are not a minority but their rights are at risk in many states. I would love to see celebrities and captains of industry take a stand on laws that affect women.
14
The "Captains of Industry" have been silently siphoning off 20-25% of women's paychecks since time immemorial. They like where women are, just fine.
Women are the MAJORITY of this nation's citizenry. LGBT, not so much.
Women are the MAJORITY of this nation's citizenry. LGBT, not so much.
4
Rosa, this silly meme is really past its prime. Evidently the repeaters forget that some LGBT are........women.....Seriously.
2
The South is responsible for defining the new measurement of what patriotism is and what good Christian values are, by how deeply one hates, excludes and fears diversity.
Jesus take the wheel and visit Mississippi and North Carolina soon- they need a moment with you.
10
There are many of us that are enlightened in the south, unfortunately at times we are outnumbered by the bigots.
14
Outnumbered or out voiced? It's long past the time for those who define themselves as liberals and progressives and enlightened to move out of their comfort zones of talking about the bigots to one another over a nice Pinot Grigio and talk back to the bigots. Time to use our purchasing power and our voting power in the tedious local elections in each of our communities, because that's where the bigots get entry into the greater political gateways that enable them to take away the progress made and prevent more to happen. Ted Cruz started out local politics in TX. Need I say more?
13
JV, good point, we Liberals don't carry guns, the bigots do. Sometimes it's downright scary to take a stand. I do, but it's still a bit worrisome in the south to do that.
10
Once again the solution is for progressives to organize at the state level, so that after the 2020 election, census, and consequent redistricting, either they will be doing the gerrymandering or, preferably, pass laws placing the drawing of election districts in the hands of a truly independent commission.
6
There are now risks as a result of cultural backwardness. This is a clear warning to other governments, large and small, that the nation watches as old parochial strictures linger.
The people, some corporations, and the mood of the country, favor moving forward...and it is good to watch and to participate in.
The people, some corporations, and the mood of the country, favor moving forward...and it is good to watch and to participate in.
9
These governors are just really really dumb- this has already been done to similar outcome- why not look at history??
We had a conservative religious group come into Colorado 20 years ago from California- and when they got here they organized to amend the state constitution to discriminate against the gay population here. There was a huge fight and they got their way until their Big Idea got canned as unconstitutional. One of the local preachers got caught smoking meth with his favorite male prostitute as well during this time for added flair. Tourism was effected in a big way- they gave Colorado a black eye.
The govs in NC and Mississippi could've saved themselves a LOT of $$$ by just googling this stuff. Oh Well. Come on out to Colorado People!
We had a conservative religious group come into Colorado 20 years ago from California- and when they got here they organized to amend the state constitution to discriminate against the gay population here. There was a huge fight and they got their way until their Big Idea got canned as unconstitutional. One of the local preachers got caught smoking meth with his favorite male prostitute as well during this time for added flair. Tourism was effected in a big way- they gave Colorado a black eye.
The govs in NC and Mississippi could've saved themselves a LOT of $$$ by just googling this stuff. Oh Well. Come on out to Colorado People!
14
Isn't it wonderful to see these red state, conservative prosperity so-called christians having to make a choice between the old testament that allows them to look down their noses at others and the almighty dollar that they worship so much today. Christ would certainly have something to say about these money changers.
13
Please, please, people, put similar energy into boycotting states which are restricting a woman's right to choose and making choice all but impossible for the poor. And how about a movement to boycott Michigan until it provides clean water and lifetime healthcare for all the children it damaged with lead poisoning?
21
Karen, it is not a zero sum game. Seriously. It is possible to stand against all hate.
5
Both North Carolina and Mississippi used religion and the Bible to justify slavery. Religion isn’t always right about things, is not always just about things, but people keep using Religion to commit crimes against Humanity.
15
I'm happy to read this. I was due to go to NC this summer for a trip with some friends, hitting it along with some surrounding states as part of a road trip. We have decided to avoid NC and rerouted our trip.
18
Linda G. Hornsby of the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association said: “The first thing we did after the bill was passed was to put up a banner on our website that says ‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’ because that’s how we feel. This law is not what Mississippi is about.”
I beg to differ. I will never go to either state again...EVER. I have a legion of friends and coworkers (past as I'm retired) who could be affected by these laws. This is not a joke, it's not an "inconvenience," it's an affront to people.
I beg to differ. I will never go to either state again...EVER. I have a legion of friends and coworkers (past as I'm retired) who could be affected by these laws. This is not a joke, it's not an "inconvenience," it's an affront to people.
15
Maybe the these states should remarket themselves as "Free to Pee with Someone Like Me" refuges for those whom that is a core issue. There must be a market somewhere...
8
People who say "This law is not what Mississippi [or North Carolina or Indiana or...] is about" are wrong. This law is exactly what that state is about, since the voters are the ones who are ultimately responsible for the legislators and governor they elect to office.
The voters who voted for bigots are no better than the bigots they voted for. And if they didn't vote, because they think their votes don't matter, then maybe they'll head to the polls to vote the next time there's an election.
The voters who voted for bigots are no better than the bigots they voted for. And if they didn't vote, because they think their votes don't matter, then maybe they'll head to the polls to vote the next time there's an election.
11
Vote with your pocketbooks when you're disenfranchised or a nonresident!
6
discrimination is just that - discrimination. I don't care who the target might be, it's wrong just the same.
12
So, will North Carolina and Mississippi start requiring LGBTs to wear rainbow-colored stars to ensure they enter the right bathroom? And will they post gender police at every public restroom door? Or maybe they'll come up with "a separate, but equal" plan of LGBT only outback outhouses.
11
Is it me are did anyone else see he semantic sleight of hand in "Always Welcome", that being that neither state can legally or honestly say, " All are Welcome." That would be just too bold, too much backbone required. Unfortunately for both states the folks that voted this law in represent in general terms poor uneducated whites that I dare say don't spend to much in the way of travel or tourist dollars.
8
My wife and I were considering North Carolina for our retirement.
Their mean spirited middle of the night passing of this purely hateful and discriminatory law has consequences. There are many other much more tolerant places to spend our retirement.
In addition, we cancelled buying an Altima because they have a presence in North Carolina. I'm only sorry we can't inflict some economic pain on Mississippi.
Their mean spirited middle of the night passing of this purely hateful and discriminatory law has consequences. There are many other much more tolerant places to spend our retirement.
In addition, we cancelled buying an Altima because they have a presence in North Carolina. I'm only sorry we can't inflict some economic pain on Mississippi.
24
This is the new tolerance of the left. If someone doesn't agree with them, that someone must be punished economically and pain must be inflicted upon them. I'm sure many NC residents are dancing in the street upon learning about your shunning them.
2
Wrong, Joe. Silly deflection. Economic bycotts have been and will always be effective (Google Birmingham, bus boycott). I live here and fully support it. This bill is several lighyears beyond just bathrooms. It is about denying people the right to legal redress for discrimination and hateful treatment by preventing those case from reaching state courts. It is about legalizing discrimination for any reason against the LGBT community. It is about hobbling the ability of municipalities to respond to local communities.
23
No, it is only the tunnel vision myopic bible thumpers in the state whom are afraid of anyone that does not think or look like them.
4
The Federal government should act as swiftly as business and consumers in withdrawing funds from these states. They are not adhering to federal law and should be disqualified from receiving federal support.
14
The Power of the Purse is the last, best direct civil protest action US citizens have. It's very heartening to see it in action against states that want to enact laws that promulgate exclusion and against love without any reason except prejudice. Keep it going--the more pressure, the better!
And continue to exclude these states from conventions and tourism for at least 2 years after they repeal this hate-filled legislation--which of course they will due to economic pressure. Let them know forgiveness takes some time.
And continue to exclude these states from conventions and tourism for at least 2 years after they repeal this hate-filled legislation--which of course they will due to economic pressure. Let them know forgiveness takes some time.
6
Not surprised they've made their bed, now lie in it. These clowns should be more worried about their crappy justice system, the lack of mental health facilities, criminalizing the poor, global warming etc. etc. but we get this. A fool is a fool, but the greater crime is the idiots who voted them into power. Enjoy.
11
As a member of the LGBT community, I couldn't understand when others in my community would say that they could live their entire lives without ever having to deal with a straight person. I thought they were as discriminatory and prejudiced as others. But, as I aged and got a bit wiser, I can now understand their logic.
Let them have their 'religious freedom.' But, I will not be paying for it.
Let them have their 'religious freedom.' But, I will not be paying for it.
4
Last week I had a choice of changing planes in Charlotte or Dallas. I chose the latter. It's not much, but why should I gave Charlotte the landing fee money?
14
Because Charlotte is a tolerant city. This whole thing started as a backlash against lovely Charlotte.
3
No amount of "Always Welcome" banners will displace the fact that as the law now stands In North Carolina, that is simply not the case. And the enactment of legislation to prohibit discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community does nothing as long as a legal out based on "religious convictions" exists. The only cure is to undo what has been done, by total repeal of HB2 the 1523 bill.
4
A small gesture, but on a car trip from Miami to New York earlier this month, my wife and I made a point of not buying anything in North Carolina. No meals, no gas, and we pushed through to Emporia Virginia to stay overnight, whereas last trip in December, we had dinner and stayed in Rocky Mount.
We don't know any trans folk, but the North Carolina law is mean spirited and wrong. Anything I can do to protest, I will.
We don't know any trans folk, but the North Carolina law is mean spirited and wrong. Anything I can do to protest, I will.
30
Thanks for pointing out two states which I will definitely visit. When homo-centric individuals and companies boycott States over common sense laws then it is time to spend less money in states like NY and California and more in support of states like North Carolina.
Also, I will definitely think twice about paying for a new iPhone. Do I really want Tim Cook and his activist ilk to profit off of my purchase? The same Tim Cook who denies the FBI access to information which would help keep our nation secure yet applies economic pressure on North Carolina for not letting men use the women's facilities.
Also, I will definitely think twice about paying for a new iPhone. Do I really want Tim Cook and his activist ilk to profit off of my purchase? The same Tim Cook who denies the FBI access to information which would help keep our nation secure yet applies economic pressure on North Carolina for not letting men use the women's facilities.
2
I want to temper my comments. I don't want to condemn all southerners, many of whom are progressives or just innocent victims of hateful self-serving right wing politicians. I also have to admit that I don't always understand or embrace the L.G.B.T. community, but I do understand and embrace the freedom that our great country represents. The L.G.B.T. community should not be discriminated against because they are Americans and deserve the freedom that other Americans enjoy. I also agree that continued racism and hate of that type is evil. If you call yourself a Christian act like a Christian. You know - humble and loving. Not judging lest you be judged. Not casting the first stone.
17
Linda Hornsby of Mississippi said "This law is not what Mississippi is about".. Oh no ????? The voters in Mississippi ELECTED the legislators who passed that law. So she's wrong .....the law is what Mississippi is about.
14
Can can a woman who becomes, or claims to be man, be a feminist? Isn't this really the end of the gender wars if there are no genders?
Now that being said, this is how capitalism and free will we supposed to work. The goal isn't to silence ones opponents as is reported on campuses today, but rather enable people to exercise their freedom to punish those who are bigots.
Forcing a bigot for example to serve LGBT weddings doesn't help anyone. Boycotting and putting them out of business does a lot more.
Now that being said, this is how capitalism and free will we supposed to work. The goal isn't to silence ones opponents as is reported on campuses today, but rather enable people to exercise their freedom to punish those who are bigots.
Forcing a bigot for example to serve LGBT weddings doesn't help anyone. Boycotting and putting them out of business does a lot more.
3
Please. Where did this wedding meme come from. Seriously. This law allows the bigot to deny serving LGBT in restaurants, lodging, medical care. They have been denied inclusion in protection from discrimination. Further, the indigenous NC bigot can now let loose against anyone, knowing the victim can not sue in state court
8
There once was a bathroom that read
Only straight and not transgender men
The bigots were proud
And they were quite loud
But the hotel did find itself in the red
So, remember the Heart of Atlanta motel case
That civil rights cannot be denied by states
Equal access to all
Even in a bathroom stall
The Fourteenth Amendment clearly states
Only straight and not transgender men
The bigots were proud
And they were quite loud
But the hotel did find itself in the red
So, remember the Heart of Atlanta motel case
That civil rights cannot be denied by states
Equal access to all
Even in a bathroom stall
The Fourteenth Amendment clearly states
4
The legislator who enacted these laws, the governors who signed them, and the constituencies who put them into office seem to have confused sexual difference with sexual perversion, or aggressive, unlawful sexual behaviors. What confuses them is beyond me. I have to wonder why they are so focused on who is in the next stall. It is puzzling, don't you think?
15
Hopefully not Larry Craig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8
"Wide Stance" Larry Craig, a politician, was very interested in the sexual preference of the person in the next stall.
More sexual assaults, molestations, serial murders have been committed by straight, hetero, White, Christian Men than by LBGT. AM I wrong?
15
You reap what you sow.....wait a minute, isn't that from the Bible?
9
I usually go to the Outer Banks of North Carolina two times a year for a week each time. This year I will travel to other beach areas in states that not mean-spiteted and promote bigotry. If asked I will recommend that my friends do the same. Perhaps if enough folks stop trading with these states then they will repeal their laws and join the human race.
18
States have a right to pass laws their voters want, like it or not and please no references to slavery, we all know that game and it doesn't work.. Corporations, entertainers , national newspapers and televisions networks have no vote in what a state does. Don't like it, don't do business their. I'm sure when the dust settles business will come back and life will return to normal. This is not a about a law but a continuning war agains the Southern States, their religion, livestyle, values and views directed by a bunch of intolerant iberals.
4
Huh...the Southern states have a religion? Well, thanks for pointing out the problem.
8
States don't get to pass absolutely every law they want to....without some of them being overruled. If that was the case, then Brown v. Board of Education wouldn't have had authority in Arkansas and Eisenhower wouldn't have sent the National Guard in to Little Rock to deseg the schools. You know, Eisenhower, the guy who led the allied forces to give freeeedom to Europe.
3
Every time someone passes laws liberals don't like especially in the Southern States we bring up slavery, Jim Crow, School Segregation etc. I'm sure their is a room full of NYC/DC Lawyers already searching for a sympatric Federal Judge to issue an injunction stopping implementation of the laws while the law suit is being prepared. Let the courts decide, that's 21 century America!
If these laws are not what Mississippi and North Carolina are about why did they pass?
14
This is just another in the long list of Republicans who take the approach of divide and conquer among the electorate. Make people fear others to ultimately deflect the real reasons for their problems, the politicians themselves.
4
The larger question, and its one we face in Virginia, as well, is the impact of gerrymandering on this kind of legislature. i suspect that North Carolina as a whole (and perhaps Mississippi, as well), would not be in favor of said restrictions, but the south is riven with radical right assemblies and senates, that are not truly representative. Governor mccauliffe in Virginia recently gave former felons, who had completed their sentences and parole, the right to vote. Seems a no brainer, but in the south(old and new), these issues die hard. The answer is to vote. Every time.
12
It is a no brainer, 200,000 plus new democrat voters for Ms. Clinton.
I was in Rome, Italy, just down from the Vatican and went into a public toilet that was used by all sexes and In line to go to the "men's" toilet at the Louvre and out walks a woman -- or at least she look like a woman -- and no one in line blinked an eye.
But, of course, this is the United States and we are all lurking in public toilets waiting to pounce on someone of the same sex or the opposite sex or ogle someone or peep into the stalls. No wonder there are always line to get into public toilets in this country!
But, of course, this is the United States and we are all lurking in public toilets waiting to pounce on someone of the same sex or the opposite sex or ogle someone or peep into the stalls. No wonder there are always line to get into public toilets in this country!
14
Ya, that's a really successful country. We should be like Italy!
1
If you are using America as a the benchmark for a successful/enlightened country, you are setting the benchmark pretty low.
8
Funnily enough, it is illegal to discriminate against LGBT people in the workplace, the military or anywhere else in Italy. When polled last year, the majority of Italians were in favour of same-sex marriage and a civil partnerships bill is going through the Italian senate at the moment. And yet they still manage to be a deeply religious country with a fantastic quality of life which is the centre of Christian Catholicism for the entire planet. Guess some Christians have an easier time remembering the whole "do unto others" part of the bible than others, huh? Go figure.
5
I live in Bloomington, IN. When one of those laws appeared in Indiana, stickers went up on most businesses in Bloomington saying 'we serve everyone'. It meant a lot to me and even now I direct my business to those stores when possible. Small businesses in Mississippi and N Carolina who are against their state's laws should band together and advertise themselves, so that instead of cancelling their trips, tourists can direct their dollars to those who do not agree with what their state is doing. Charlotte, in particular, shouldn't be penalized.
10
And this is exactly what should happen every time a person, a group, at state or a country legislates HATE! There should be consequences for everything we do. Good consequences when we do GOOD, bad consequences when we do BAD. This is the whole point of prison & execution.....deterrents! It doesn't work perfectly all the time but it's the only tool in our human tool bag.
I have lived in the same city for the last 55 years, since I was 6 years old. Because my Mother was nice I learned early on that nice is the best way to go. I was nice in the 60s but young & thick headed & didn't realize that black people weren't getting a fair shake in life. But I matured & learned, felt ashamed of my earlier blindness to their suffering & we raised our kids without a word of hate or prejudiced towards any race. The results are 2 young adults who judge everyone by the content of their character.
I don't remember what age I was when I learned there was a thing called gay. Like the majority of people my age & older, I didn't understand how people could choose to be gay? When my thick head cleared, I began to understand & support gay rights. My kids were never in the dark about the subject & naturally accepted their gay friends & classmates.
I didn't understand transgender until I met a young man saving money for operations. He took me thru the steps, hormones, surgery, costs, therapy, mental & physical....no one would endure that for a passing phase or fun. Shame on these Red states!!
I have lived in the same city for the last 55 years, since I was 6 years old. Because my Mother was nice I learned early on that nice is the best way to go. I was nice in the 60s but young & thick headed & didn't realize that black people weren't getting a fair shake in life. But I matured & learned, felt ashamed of my earlier blindness to their suffering & we raised our kids without a word of hate or prejudiced towards any race. The results are 2 young adults who judge everyone by the content of their character.
I don't remember what age I was when I learned there was a thing called gay. Like the majority of people my age & older, I didn't understand how people could choose to be gay? When my thick head cleared, I began to understand & support gay rights. My kids were never in the dark about the subject & naturally accepted their gay friends & classmates.
I didn't understand transgender until I met a young man saving money for operations. He took me thru the steps, hormones, surgery, costs, therapy, mental & physical....no one would endure that for a passing phase or fun. Shame on these Red states!!
15
Since the GOP in North Carolina places money above everything else, a tourism and convention boycott might well prompt a repeal of its HB2 legisltation.
10
The woman who said, "This isn't what Mississippi is about" lies: it is one of the most anti-intellectual, religiously extremist, racist places I've ever lived. August, which is when we move out of state, can't come fast enough.
18
Also, is it not the poorest state in the union and been that way for some time?
2
Charotte, Asheville, and other urban areas of North Carolina are not bigoted. They are progressive, modern cultures embracing diversity and working hard to protect the rights of the LGBT community. Rural and exurban North Carolina is where the bigots dwell, and the Republican controlled State House has gerrymandered the voting districts to give them overwhelming control of the state even though they represent only half of the State population. Perhaps the lines of the boycott should be more finely drawn than the entire state. Perhaps the progressives across the nation should develop a strategy that wrests control from the bigots and restores political balance to the state of North Carolina.
8
Perhaps the more enlightened areas of NC should do the hard work of fixing their state. A little economic pressure will help them get started.
Wow! As I read the comments all I can think of is aren't Americans wonderful!!! This is our exceptionality in full view standing with and for equality and love for all unconditionally. Makes one proud to be an American because this is who we really are. North Carolinians and Mississippians join the love fest- there's room for all!
3
My husband and I, along with my brother and his wife, had planned on spending (and 'spending' in our case amounts to tourist money to North Carolina) a couple of weeks early this summer in the Asheville area of N.C. Obviously this will not happen. I previously sent a letter to the North Carolina tourist board explaining why we would be cancelling our plans. I received a very professional and polite response, which I appreciated. In the response it was suggested that 'we give North Carolina a chance' as our cancellation would hurt the good people of North Carolina, etc. I responded that I agreed with this thought, but that the 'good people' have been harmed by the short-sighted effort to push this heinous bill through the Legislature and the willingnes of the Govenor to sign it, all in a 24 hour time frame. Bigotry does have its consequences.
18
This article only points out those not coming, it doesn't point out those who may leave.
13
Now if we can only get these same people to stand up when these very states take a sledgehammer to women's rights.
18
You're deflecting, Sandra. This is not a zero sum game. Some of the LGBT are women, so please.
After doing much to recover from being thought of the pole cat of the nation because of past history, this is one law that Mississippi did not need. My sympathies to what I hope is the great majority of Mississippians for your state government shooting y'all in the foot.
9
We have cancelled our trip to visit friends in Raleigh this coming summer. They will travel north to see us instead. We have re-routed our American Airlines flight through Phoenix so we don't have to transfer in Charlotte and spend money there. These changes may seem small to other people, but they are enormous to us, and we are pleased to side with those who embrace love, not hate.
21
With you, Peter. We too have cancelled all plans to visit Raleigh this summer, and we are re-routing our road trip to avoid spending one dime in states that promote such hatred and bigotry. And we number eight in total ... all working, with full intent of dropping down many $$$ over the month-long vacation.
14
The south should secede from our perfect union. The rest of the country is tired of your bigotry and hate.
17
I believe the decent folks in both states will win -it just might take a little time.
4
I would believe you IF the people in power whom ultimately come up with these stupid laws, did not continue to get elected. Until that happens, it will take more than a little time.
3
I am a white male who at the ripe age of 7 accidentally entered a colored only section of a restaurant from the outside and then walked into the main section of the restaurant. I was greeted by total silence when I opened the door between the 2 sections, wondering what I had done wrong. Once I understood, I was saddened and angry that people could be so mean. This intolerance will impact my personal and business plans. We do have bigger fish to fry.
24
I do not support denying business services to anyone, especially when the basis is religion, whose interpretation varies from church to church, temple to temple, mosque to mosque, and even person to person.
However, why is it so difficult for people to understand that a law that allows men to claim they feel like women and are therefore LEGALLY entitled to use a restroom heretofore reserved will be horribly misused and result in pain and torture for women and children? If you do not believe sexual attacks are torture, you are naive -- it is a form of domestic terrorism. Why is it so hard to see how this portion of the law will be misused by men of malicious intent? Remember that in nearly all womens restrooms, the stall doors and walls are open at the top and bottom. It would be easy to see, or crawl, over or under them, and peeping Toms may be the least of our worries.
Besides, why must women, 51 percent of the adult population, make way for a few people born male? This smacks of women being told, after the Civil War, that it was not yet their turn to gain voting rights. That someone else with a penis had a greater claim.
Newsflash, we have the right to safety and comfort, as do the children we take into restrooms. Just because someone feels like a woman does not mean that person is entitled to barge in.
However, why is it so difficult for people to understand that a law that allows men to claim they feel like women and are therefore LEGALLY entitled to use a restroom heretofore reserved will be horribly misused and result in pain and torture for women and children? If you do not believe sexual attacks are torture, you are naive -- it is a form of domestic terrorism. Why is it so hard to see how this portion of the law will be misused by men of malicious intent? Remember that in nearly all womens restrooms, the stall doors and walls are open at the top and bottom. It would be easy to see, or crawl, over or under them, and peeping Toms may be the least of our worries.
Besides, why must women, 51 percent of the adult population, make way for a few people born male? This smacks of women being told, after the Civil War, that it was not yet their turn to gain voting rights. That someone else with a penis had a greater claim.
Newsflash, we have the right to safety and comfort, as do the children we take into restrooms. Just because someone feels like a woman does not mean that person is entitled to barge in.
6
@ pdianek where do you suggest trans people should go ? This is a free country it should be anyone privilege if they need to relieve themselves. As you say if you are "taking" your children then there should be no worries.
5
How will this law prevent men from dressing up like women and entering women's bathrooms? Will a bathroom monitor check birth certificates when one enters a bathroom? Will a bathroom monitor be assigned to every bathroom in North Carolina. Let the south secede. We don't want you in our country. This law is idiotic, and the rest of the union is tired of southern stupidity.
8
I have the unfortunate duty to drive through North Carolina on I-95 several times a year. I used to spend the night there, have a nice steak dinner, and gas-up. No more. Last week, I stopped only to allow my dogs to relieve themselves and I used the men's bathroom. There were several guys in there who just laughed. You're a laughing stock even in your own state.
12
I avoid Texas the arch hate state as well as the troglodytes states in the "old south". Oh well, I guess it's down the shore in New Jersey this year.
20
I try to avoid the south.
16
That would be a good idea for anyone from Marrakech...
5
I worked in Research Triangle Park in the early 2000s. I thought of returning to North Carolina to retire.
I scratched the state off my list.
I scratched the state off my list.
22
My sister is a lesbian and has been out for over 40 years. She is now 70 years old. She is a retired registered nurse who has helped so many people throughout her working life. She recently married her partner - they had been together for 30 years. The idea that she and her wife could be denied lodging or any other service in these states absolutely infuriates me.
38
The deep and abiding dedication to bigotry that dwells in the old confederacy never ceases to amaze me.
However it is even more remarkable just how narrow minded people can be when the are duped by politicians and plutocrats. Make no mistake about it the politicians who are behind this are seeking to divide working class and middle class voters from their northern and gay / transgender fellows so that they will not notice their pockets being picked by the oligarchs and the plutocrats.
The establishment on Wall Street and in corporate boardrooms and city and town halls throughout the America but particularly in the South use religion, race, gender, sexual orientation unionized labor and underfunded education to turn people against each other and to simultaniously keep them down.
The elites don't want education, high speed broadband, unionization, liberal social morals or multiculturalism or anything else that will smarten working and middle class people up to how they are being exploited.
It's much easier to say Oh look it's those Muslims, or Hispanic immigrants or blacks or gay / transgender individuals, or pro-choice women or egg headed college boys or professors or if you push it far enough simply Yankees and foreigners. Anything to keep the workers uneducated and divided.
However it is even more remarkable just how narrow minded people can be when the are duped by politicians and plutocrats. Make no mistake about it the politicians who are behind this are seeking to divide working class and middle class voters from their northern and gay / transgender fellows so that they will not notice their pockets being picked by the oligarchs and the plutocrats.
The establishment on Wall Street and in corporate boardrooms and city and town halls throughout the America but particularly in the South use religion, race, gender, sexual orientation unionized labor and underfunded education to turn people against each other and to simultaniously keep them down.
The elites don't want education, high speed broadband, unionization, liberal social morals or multiculturalism or anything else that will smarten working and middle class people up to how they are being exploited.
It's much easier to say Oh look it's those Muslims, or Hispanic immigrants or blacks or gay / transgender individuals, or pro-choice women or egg headed college boys or professors or if you push it far enough simply Yankees and foreigners. Anything to keep the workers uneducated and divided.
13
Six times this year my family will drive through North Carolina. We will fill the tank in Virginia and South Carolina. We will pack lunches. We also were considering moving our camper to the Wilmington area. No longer.
15
May be the legislature should amend the bathroom bill to only apply to counties in North Carolina want HB 2 to apply. For the other counties, it would then be irrelevant. That way the Governor could have his way with counties that agree with him, and avoid limiting and restricting those that do not ? Any takers ?
1
I wrote the NC tourism bureau, telling them I could no longer visit their state, although we had made several trips there in the past and it is a beautiful state. I received quite a nice reply, but it didn't change my mind. Expressing these sentiments to tourism bureaus is a way to let them know you won't go there, rather than just not planning to go.
13
Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words. Once the momentum builds and visitors cancel their plans, before too long, the shrinking numbers will take their toll.
3
I do a lot of business in Greenville SC. I would take the direct flight from NYC to Charlotte, and rent and car and travel the 2 hours to Greenville, Upon returning, I would fill up my tank in Charlotte and have dinner and a cocktail or two at the airport. I realize it is not much, but now I take the connecting flight to Greenville, and skip Charlotte altogether.
12
My husband and I arrived in Greensboro the day after the legislation was passed. People were very friendly, although it did seem that every employee of our hotel knew who we were and what our room number was.
4
The politicians are all about "ME" only and nothing else should matter to them.
I give credit to Donald trump for speaking sensibly even for once. Ted Cruz was worried about his own children, why would his children and any other little boys or girls will go to a public restroom without an adult being with them ?
Bigotry and discrimination has no place in the world , then again these self serving politicians will change their believe instantly if one of their loved one becomes a Trans.
I give credit to Donald trump for speaking sensibly even for once. Ted Cruz was worried about his own children, why would his children and any other little boys or girls will go to a public restroom without an adult being with them ?
Bigotry and discrimination has no place in the world , then again these self serving politicians will change their believe instantly if one of their loved one becomes a Trans.
5
You are an optimist. Most bigots disown their children that come out.
2
As a guy I couldn't careless who is in the bathroom. I am not so sure women feel the same. Woman will have to make a greater sacrifice then men on this for sure.
4
How so? Women use private locked stalls in any bathroom I have been in. I would rather be in a bathroom peeing next to a transgender woman than a bigot. It is the bigot I am fearful of.
10
I appreciate the coverage of this issue. But I'm disappointed that House Bill 2 of my home state of NC is still being misrepresented as a bill solely regarding transgender use of bathrooms. That bill was largely intended to preempt workers rights for higher minimum wage and better sick leave and discriminatory protection. There is much more at stake than just transgender rights. It's about protecting large scale employers from growing workers rights movements. It's been in the works for a long time. There are conservative think tanks passing preemption laws at the state level all over the US, removing the autonomy of cities to govern themselves. I beseech those with critical thinking skills to read the actual bill and educate themselves on the lobbying powers of groups like National Restaurant Association and ALEC council. The Center for Media and Democracy is tracking this very well.
30
Had been planning a nice trip to North Carolina this summer for college tours and to visit some relatives there. I'm afraid that won't be happening now.
When will the colleges start speaking up about this?>
When will the colleges start speaking up about this?>
15
Does anybody want to vacation in Mississippi?
By the way, its no surprise that morals are eroding very fast. Bible laws and principles are being buried in the name of new age thinking where if it feels good do it. One can never justify the sexual deviations that are being passed as laws of the land. If 50 million people do a wrong thing, its still a wrong thing.
I know the Bibles words will fall on deaf ears and Jesus said those on the wide and spacious road to destruction are many. Not my words, but those of the Son of Man.
The Bible condemns what the laws of the land are advocating and everyone will reap what they sow. Again, not my words , but the Word of God.
By the way, its no surprise that morals are eroding very fast. Bible laws and principles are being buried in the name of new age thinking where if it feels good do it. One can never justify the sexual deviations that are being passed as laws of the land. If 50 million people do a wrong thing, its still a wrong thing.
I know the Bibles words will fall on deaf ears and Jesus said those on the wide and spacious road to destruction are many. Not my words, but those of the Son of Man.
The Bible condemns what the laws of the land are advocating and everyone will reap what they sow. Again, not my words , but the Word of God.
2
Do you wear clothes of mixed fabric? Have you spent time around a woman while she's on her period? Do you feel that stoning is a reasonable response to unruly children? How about for people who are remarried? The Word of God says many things that you and the rest of society conviently ignore. I've had of a place, however, where its citizens are trying very hard to follow the word of God to a T. It's called the Islamic State.
5
Sorry, Steve, I gave up on superstitions when I was 6 years old.
6
Then I am sure steve, as you embrace the whole bible, you are a bit confused by Lot having escaped those naughty cities, fled with his daughters, got drunk with them and knocked them up. Which family value was that?
9
In one of the great tragedies of American history, Phyllis Schlaffly, that icon of the far right, used scare tactics involving bathroom use to lead the charge in defeating the Equal Rights Amendment. (Specifically, she misled voters into believing that the E.R.A. would necessitate unisex bathrooms.) And now, more than 40 years later, public bathrooms are still a weapon of choice for right wing voters ostensibly supporting "Christian values" to discriminate against their fellow citizens. For shame.
30
Here's the thing liberals can't quite understand. Why do so many people want to discriminate against somebody? It's almost like these Southern states are saying we really liked hating the blacks and Jews ('New York values'), but if you won't let us do that anymore, then we'll have to be satisfied with hating the gays and lesbians. My message to Southern governors: you can enjoy life without hating anyone. Really, you can. In fact, it may be more fun that way. Give it a try.
25
I think the problem is that they think God hates anyone who isn't a white male, just like Him.
1
They let the gays out of the closet and shoved the bigots in. These laws are the bigots' efforts to come back out, and, as always, dressed in their "we're protecting your children and religious freedom" drag. As a costume, it turned out to be not nearly as fetching as they'd hoped.
13
Not too worry.. evangelical tourists will be flocking to NC and Mississippi to pick up the slack.
8
It's not just the bathroom thing. It's the whole Bible-thumping, bigoted, reactionary, Republican tone that has been set. I left the South 30 years ago because I couldn't take it, and certainly didn't want my kids growing up with it. People like me have been fleeing the South (and Midwest too, for that matter) for many years, and I am straight, white, male (and loving it) and not all that liberal. The ones that are left are people who do things like make the Bible the state book, as in Tennessee (won't be going back there anytime soon either). Now even the business community is turning its back on them. Good!
22
The premise of these laws is utterly stupid. If a perv is going to get somebody, they will get somebody. And they won't do it an a bathroom. And it won't be a transgendered person either.
14
North Carolina and Mississippi should just set up some unisex restrooms throughout their states which can be occupied by everyone. They could have a sign reading men/women on the door and let people decide for themselves. I have visited both states and I found the people to be lovely. I hate to see these people losing money when there is an easy solution to the situation.
2
White Only.
Oh wait, that was a couple of centuries ago.
Now it White Christian Straight Only!
It's good to know we're evolving.
Oh wait, that was a couple of centuries ago.
Now it White Christian Straight Only!
It's good to know we're evolving.
18
Since I moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains -- and the article's picture is a pretty standard photo of our scenery --some twenty four years ago, I have never seen such changes, for the worst, since our government was totally high-jacked by the Republicans four years ago. We will have another primary in June for Congressional delegates, at enormous expense.
There is a cure for this. Vote out all these people, including Burr, a professional politician, and Mark Meadows, a tea party do-nothing.
Reign in Duke power. Expand the ACA and embrace Medicaid.
And apologize, to the transgender community and to everyone else..
There is a cure for this. Vote out all these people, including Burr, a professional politician, and Mark Meadows, a tea party do-nothing.
Reign in Duke power. Expand the ACA and embrace Medicaid.
And apologize, to the transgender community and to everyone else..
27
When our representatives in government no longer reflect the majority attitudes of the people they represent, then it is time for the people to lead the way. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the recent swing of the conservative U.S. Supreme Court from the expected rubber-stamping of the Family Preservation Act. It would be nice if our leaders could exercise a little more vision towards inclusivity and a little less pandering to non-secular, monied interests.
2
san francsico open for business.. :)
9
Obviously SF is the opposite of this. They hate us cuz they aint us.
If I were y'all I would cancel those vacations in humid, homophobic, uneducated areas of the former confederacy, and show support for the LGBT community and just humanity in general and vacation in San Francisco.
Come spend your money at UNION Square and enjoy a diverse, multicultural city that epitomizes the best of American innovation, know-how, and most importantly a place that embraces real American values freedom and justice for all.
We have novelties like public transit and universal health care (yep, Healthy SF.) Top universities (Stanford, Berkeley, UCSF) and a brand new SF MoMA going live in May. Every weekend in Summer are free concerts. Hike, bike, run, swim, sail etc. etc.
SF is the new Global City of the West Coast. Salesforce tower will be the tallest West of Chicago, the Transbay Terminal high speed rail which will take you to LA in 2.5 hours for a day at the beach or a movie premiere. Warriors (NBA champs 2015, 2016?) are building a new SF waterfront stadium.
The food is amazing, the ocean and the bay are beautiful, the California weather cannot be beat. Yosemite and the Redwood forests.
Plus Nevada is real close, so if you need to shoot guns and visit prostitutes, you're golden. Just leave your "medical" weed in Tahoe.
SF has it all ... except for backwards racist discriminatory laws and people.
Not a lot of affordable housing, but what do you expect? It's a great place to live!
If I were y'all I would cancel those vacations in humid, homophobic, uneducated areas of the former confederacy, and show support for the LGBT community and just humanity in general and vacation in San Francisco.
Come spend your money at UNION Square and enjoy a diverse, multicultural city that epitomizes the best of American innovation, know-how, and most importantly a place that embraces real American values freedom and justice for all.
We have novelties like public transit and universal health care (yep, Healthy SF.) Top universities (Stanford, Berkeley, UCSF) and a brand new SF MoMA going live in May. Every weekend in Summer are free concerts. Hike, bike, run, swim, sail etc. etc.
SF is the new Global City of the West Coast. Salesforce tower will be the tallest West of Chicago, the Transbay Terminal high speed rail which will take you to LA in 2.5 hours for a day at the beach or a movie premiere. Warriors (NBA champs 2015, 2016?) are building a new SF waterfront stadium.
The food is amazing, the ocean and the bay are beautiful, the California weather cannot be beat. Yosemite and the Redwood forests.
Plus Nevada is real close, so if you need to shoot guns and visit prostitutes, you're golden. Just leave your "medical" weed in Tahoe.
SF has it all ... except for backwards racist discriminatory laws and people.
Not a lot of affordable housing, but what do you expect? It's a great place to live!
Cause and effect?
ALEC votes North Carolina best state for business. State passes discriminatory legislation. Businesses and artists cancel plans for state!
ALEC votes North Carolina best state for business. State passes discriminatory legislation. Businesses and artists cancel plans for state!
3
NC elects a new governor in November. It behooves business owners, city dwellers at least to vote their self-interest and reject the incumbent McCrory.
The best NC may be able to manage is divided government but if a Dem governor had been in office, in all likelihood this egregious bathroom law would have been vetoed.
Let's hope for a backlash against extremism and hate this time around.
The best NC may be able to manage is divided government but if a Dem governor had been in office, in all likelihood this egregious bathroom law would have been vetoed.
Let's hope for a backlash against extremism and hate this time around.
11
It seems to me that any man who has gone through the soul searching, medical procedures, expenses and medications to change their physical gender from male to female, is NOT going to be preying on women and girls in the ladies room, because they feel they are FEMALE! That is why they chose to go through it all in the first place! It is the straight men in this world who assault little girls, and little boys and women sexually...know any , heard of this ever happening?
The bigots in this state where I now reside, NC, don't seem to have really thought this out. Instead, they parrot trite, simplistic, righteous reasons for supporting the delusional Governor, who seems not to realize how much a fool he is making of himself. If I could afford to move back to NYC, I would be there in a flash.
The bigots in this state where I now reside, NC, don't seem to have really thought this out. Instead, they parrot trite, simplistic, righteous reasons for supporting the delusional Governor, who seems not to realize how much a fool he is making of himself. If I could afford to move back to NYC, I would be there in a flash.
21
Once again, North Carolina and Mississippi are on the wrong side of history. And once again, "religious freedom" is being used as a weapon for discrimination.
While I feel sorry for the progressive areas of North Carolina and Mississippi which are going to be hurt economically by these mean-spirited, misguided, and moronic laws, the fact is that heavy-duty out-of-state boycotting, as well as pressure from in-state businesses, are critical -- not only to bring pressure to bear on the backward GOP-controlled legislatures that approved these outrageous laws but also as a warning to other right wing-controlled States that actions have consequences.
While I feel sorry for the progressive areas of North Carolina and Mississippi which are going to be hurt economically by these mean-spirited, misguided, and moronic laws, the fact is that heavy-duty out-of-state boycotting, as well as pressure from in-state businesses, are critical -- not only to bring pressure to bear on the backward GOP-controlled legislatures that approved these outrageous laws but also as a warning to other right wing-controlled States that actions have consequences.
9
OK, so how many people were shot in MO and NC last year? How many died from smoking? Where is the about those issues and many more that are substantive? The police are much more dangerous and they will be there in full riot gear in front of each toilet
3
Well, I wasn’t going to go to Mississippi for vacation, anyway. I’m in my 60s and remember clearly the days when the state was one of those associated with a particularly hateful and primitive way of thinking, so I guess you could say my boycott began then. Nowadays I hear about a New South but it seems aspects of that past “culture” continue. I’m sure there are like-minded folks who might actually be drawn by that so they can spend their tourism dollars there. As for me, first, I live in Hawaii; and second, I live in 21st Century America and am proud of how most of us have grown to become better people.
15
Let them learn to eat hate.And cash hate checks.
4
If these legislators are so concerned about the children being molested by LGBT folks in the bathrooms, then they should also look at the following to protect the children: Church’s and clergy, coaches, aunts and uncles, teachers, police, church workers and counselors and everyone else in the world. We also need to confirm the constitution and stop Christian Sharia law from being in acted.
14
Seems like a classic case of people creating a problem in the name of solving a problem...& when there was no problem in the first place.. -- The idea that these laws somehow help anyone practice their religious beliefs is Very bizarre..& in fact it comes across as a lie. Bigotry and intolerance are behind these laws; we've seen many such laws passed in history, always in the name of some religious ideal, or keeping things in order... But they're not fooling anybody.. -- These places are rightly boycotted; let them have a taste of their own medicine.
1
Educated people know that there should be no reason to discriminate against other human beings based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. In the public sphere, live and let live, is how society remains civilized.
It is a shame that North Carolina and other states have chosen to make life difficult for Transgenders but shaming the good people in these states only exacerbates the problem and compels these individuals to defend their own position vigorously and rightfully so.
Real and lasting change takes time. Given the smaller numbers of the LGBT community relative to the population at large, it is understandable that a majority of people not accustomed to what amounts to an alien lifestyle will resist.
Realizing this, politicians and community leaders from both sides of this issue have little choice but to learn to
Economic sanctions while effective have their limits and quite frankly most people see the boycotting by Springsteen, Adams, and others as a shameless form of grandstanding designed to promote their brands.
The LGBT community deserves the same kind of respect and public accommodations as everyone else. Their opponents need time to process the change. Help educate them patiently and respectfully.
It is a shame that North Carolina and other states have chosen to make life difficult for Transgenders but shaming the good people in these states only exacerbates the problem and compels these individuals to defend their own position vigorously and rightfully so.
Real and lasting change takes time. Given the smaller numbers of the LGBT community relative to the population at large, it is understandable that a majority of people not accustomed to what amounts to an alien lifestyle will resist.
Realizing this, politicians and community leaders from both sides of this issue have little choice but to learn to
Economic sanctions while effective have their limits and quite frankly most people see the boycotting by Springsteen, Adams, and others as a shameless form of grandstanding designed to promote their brands.
The LGBT community deserves the same kind of respect and public accommodations as everyone else. Their opponents need time to process the change. Help educate them patiently and respectfully.
1
Good, but why weren't there boycotts of states which acted to deprive people of their right to vote by enacting pointless ID laws, eliminating extra voting days, and by other gimmicks? That was as hateful and anti-Democratic as these silly bathroom laws.
12
As a proud North Carolina native, this is sadly just the latest is a series of last straws as far as the action of the extremely conservative Republican legislature, which has attempted to destroy many social, political and flat out common sense progressive measures in the state. They have gerrymandered and redistricted so that they will be elected by almost exclusively Republican counties. They're not interested in anything even remotely progressive. They prey on the uninformed, bigoted rural folk who fear anything different. What to do? Public national humiliation, as well as the threat of economic ruin, is a pretty good start.
12
Note to MS, NC, and other states thinking of enshrining fear and ignorance into statute; bigotry has consequences.
6
'Linda G. Hornsby of the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association said: “The first thing we did after the bill was passed was to put up a banner on our website that says ‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’ because that’s how we feel. This law is not what Mississippi is about.”' Yes this law is what Missippi is all about. You the voters chose the legislature and governor. They represent you, the people. They voted for and passed that law. If this law is NOT what Mississippi is all about, will you vote them out?
14
I'd like to add support to all the cancellations but I cannot as I've never considered travelling to either Mississippi or North Carolina, nor any of their immediate neighbors. I grew up in the south, Texas to be exact, and experienced enough religiosity to last a lifetime.
3
I visited the "Always Welcome" website and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority conspicuously avoids any references to LGBT or to the issues surrounding the state's anti-gay political climate. There are only general platitudes on "Always Welcome" to Inclusiveness. It's a hollow gesture of support if they can't even mention the LGBT people most affected by the law. I'm not impressed.
84
....and if the general platitudes asserting "Alway Welcome" are true? Are you still unimpressed? Why assume them to be a lie.
Every year, 3000 children are slain, with many more injured or maimed for life, as a consequence of our failure to protect them from the unregulated, unsecured profusion of guns virtually everywhere, including public restrooms. As far as I know, no danger to children, Ted Cruz's daughters included, has ever resulted from assaults by transgendered people in any location, including public toilets.
So here we are with our politicians stoking up needless fear, capitalizing on loathing, under the false banner of keeping children safe. This,while they genuflect to the gun lobby, failing persistently and fecklessly to forestall the known harm that firearms inflict on the young because nobody has the courage or intelligence to protect them. This is what conservatives call "family values."
If this isn't idiotic, then it is downright hypocritical. Let us remember that a time tested biblucal maxim is "suffer little children" not "little children suffer."
www.endthemadnessnow.org
So here we are with our politicians stoking up needless fear, capitalizing on loathing, under the false banner of keeping children safe. This,while they genuflect to the gun lobby, failing persistently and fecklessly to forestall the known harm that firearms inflict on the young because nobody has the courage or intelligence to protect them. This is what conservatives call "family values."
If this isn't idiotic, then it is downright hypocritical. Let us remember that a time tested biblucal maxim is "suffer little children" not "little children suffer."
www.endthemadnessnow.org
122
People seem to assume that men who identify as "trans women" have had surgery or that they are fundamentally gay men so women are safe. That is not true. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey Report in 2011, only 33% of trans people have surgically transitioned. Most "trans women" keep their penises and the majority of them remain sexually attracted to women. (Also, any man could claim to be trans because there is no objective criteria for what "trans" is.)
Keeping men out of women's bathrooms is NOT analogous to preventing gay people from getting married.
"Public women’s BATHROOMS AND LOCKER ROOMS are not a space for women’s healing or bonding– they are merely temporary sanctuaries from male view/attention while completing specific tasks: namely, voiding one’s bodily waste or changing clothing. The sex-segregated space is not a means to a larger social end, it is a solution/end to a problem (male voyeurism and sexual predation) in itself. That is the segregated space’s *purpose.*" - Elizabeth Hungerford
People need to find out more about what is actually going on before jumping on the bandwagon. Some of the best people to read are gender critical trans writers like Kay Brown, Miranda Yardley or Anne Lawrence. While they were born men and now call themselves women, they still don't think women's safety should be compromised to accommodate them.
Mark Twain said it best: "Don't be so open minded that your brains fall out."
Keeping men out of women's bathrooms is NOT analogous to preventing gay people from getting married.
"Public women’s BATHROOMS AND LOCKER ROOMS are not a space for women’s healing or bonding– they are merely temporary sanctuaries from male view/attention while completing specific tasks: namely, voiding one’s bodily waste or changing clothing. The sex-segregated space is not a means to a larger social end, it is a solution/end to a problem (male voyeurism and sexual predation) in itself. That is the segregated space’s *purpose.*" - Elizabeth Hungerford
People need to find out more about what is actually going on before jumping on the bandwagon. Some of the best people to read are gender critical trans writers like Kay Brown, Miranda Yardley or Anne Lawrence. While they were born men and now call themselves women, they still don't think women's safety should be compromised to accommodate them.
Mark Twain said it best: "Don't be so open minded that your brains fall out."
7
There is absolutely no indication that there has been any threat or incident related to women's safety from a transgender man preying on women in a public bathroom. I suppose anything is possible--perhaps everyone should walk around with cement umbrellas because a meteor might hit them on the head.
4
I have yet to read any newspaper, or even see on Fox News or the National Enquirer an account of a transgender woman assaulting women in rest rooms.
I'm confused.
Is it that a man who identifies himself as a woman CAN use the woman's restroom, but a man who is still a "man" cannot?
So how does one tell the difference - or are we saying every restroom, locker room and changing room are now completely unisex?
Is it that a man who identifies himself as a woman CAN use the woman's restroom, but a man who is still a "man" cannot?
So how does one tell the difference - or are we saying every restroom, locker room and changing room are now completely unisex?
3
Tourist backlash and corporate boycotts are not enough - only VOTER backlash will change things in the southern states. Come on Good People of the South - get rid of the supposed "religious" zealots who have taken over your politics and are making a laughing stock of America. Local and regional small business owners should lead the charge on this because they, too, are getting black eyes. Fix it!
13
Don't the elected officials of these states realize how ridiculous and small minded they seem beyond their small circle of supporters? Of all the issues I can imagine which cry out for attention, they focus on who uses what public restrooms ? Has there been an epidemic of horrific occurrences in restrooms perpetrated by transgender people which demands immediate resolution?
How do they enforce this new law? Will the gender police require birth certificates from everyone entering into a public restroom- or perhaps a physical inspection? I think the latter will be necessary to thwart the many who will undoubtedly try to perpetrate fraud by falsifying their birth certificates. Entirely new bureaucracies might be established such as the "GBI" ( the Gender Bureau of Investigations).
The irony is that transgender individuals have probably been using their restroom of choice for years without incident.
I can only hope that enlightened generations relegate these absurd public officials to historical garbage dump occupied by the Salem witch hunters and others whose distorted beliefs have been an embarrassment to human history.
How do they enforce this new law? Will the gender police require birth certificates from everyone entering into a public restroom- or perhaps a physical inspection? I think the latter will be necessary to thwart the many who will undoubtedly try to perpetrate fraud by falsifying their birth certificates. Entirely new bureaucracies might be established such as the "GBI" ( the Gender Bureau of Investigations).
The irony is that transgender individuals have probably been using their restroom of choice for years without incident.
I can only hope that enlightened generations relegate these absurd public officials to historical garbage dump occupied by the Salem witch hunters and others whose distorted beliefs have been an embarrassment to human history.
8
I appreciate the general sentiment of groups like "Always Welcome". But what I really expect is a banner headline on the website for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority that they've made a $100,000 donation to the campaign fund of Roy Cooper, the Democratic nominee to be Governor.
Short of that - I'm heading to "enlightened" South Carolina instead.
Short of that - I'm heading to "enlightened" South Carolina instead.
5
How about boycotting Nevada? Prostitution legal there. And Alaska? Highest rate of reported rapes. California? Big on H1Bs, low on diversity. New York? Magnet for shell corporations hiding money in prime real estate. DC? Huge on gun murders. Colorado? Stench of marijuana everywhere.
So many states, so many elected officials sleeping on the job, so many voters who couldn't give a hoot. Good news is the dollar is strong this year. Yeah, Cancun holiday, sounds good, gotta go. Wait, Mississippi same coast, half the cost, change in CLT. Gotta go.
So many states, so many elected officials sleeping on the job, so many voters who couldn't give a hoot. Good news is the dollar is strong this year. Yeah, Cancun holiday, sounds good, gotta go. Wait, Mississippi same coast, half the cost, change in CLT. Gotta go.
2
As a straight, white male - I find Mississippi and North Carolina's new, discriminatory laws laughable. The pseudo-"religious" sector of those State's Legislators have truly shot themselves in the foot on this one. I don't care if someone is gay or straight. My concern is; is this person honest? Are they nice to be around? Do they pick up their own trash? Do they, even if grumpy, return a phone call?
Having said that - I have worked in Hotels and Restaurants across America, and, one unspoken rule is VERY valid. "We Reserve The Right To Refuse Service To Anyone". Literal translation: "be nice, or leave". Every fine hotel or restaurant/bar I worked in had many great Gay customers. The issue or "problem" was never sexual preference - it was one's conduct. Straight or Gay, if someone is being rude, or loud, or a jerk, they get tossed out, or they are"86'd" from the House.
I recall a recent article in the NY Times about a Baker in Boulder, Colorado. A Gay couple wanted him to bake their Wedding Cake. He didn't want to. The couple then sued the guy for discrimination, and the court fees and fine put him out of business. THAT is not fair.
It is all good to boycott Mississippi and North Carolina, and take your business elsewhere. Fine. But, "we reserve the right to refuse service" should stand pat. Otherwise, will rude people or drunks lobby to go to any business and do whatever they choose?
I strongly believe in equal rights, but I also believe in good manners.
Having said that - I have worked in Hotels and Restaurants across America, and, one unspoken rule is VERY valid. "We Reserve The Right To Refuse Service To Anyone". Literal translation: "be nice, or leave". Every fine hotel or restaurant/bar I worked in had many great Gay customers. The issue or "problem" was never sexual preference - it was one's conduct. Straight or Gay, if someone is being rude, or loud, or a jerk, they get tossed out, or they are"86'd" from the House.
I recall a recent article in the NY Times about a Baker in Boulder, Colorado. A Gay couple wanted him to bake their Wedding Cake. He didn't want to. The couple then sued the guy for discrimination, and the court fees and fine put him out of business. THAT is not fair.
It is all good to boycott Mississippi and North Carolina, and take your business elsewhere. Fine. But, "we reserve the right to refuse service" should stand pat. Otherwise, will rude people or drunks lobby to go to any business and do whatever they choose?
I strongly believe in equal rights, but I also believe in good manners.
5
No, actually you didn't read a recent article about a baker in Boulder, CO that was sued for refusing to bake a cake for a gay couple's wedding, and subsequently put out of business because of legal fees/fines, because that never happened. You may have read about a cake shop in Lakewood, CO (about an hour from Boulder) that was sued, successfully, for refusing to bake a cake for a customer because it was intended for a gay wedding. That cake shop is still very much in business and it's actions were discriminatory. The case is on appeal.
2
Thank you, truly, for that clarification, and good news.
1
Being rude or drunk is very different from being gay or transexual. Being rude or drunk is different from being Black too. You can refuse service to someone rude or drunk. To refuse service to someone because of gender or race is against the law. The baker got what's coming to him.
"Governor McCrory, whose office did not respond to requests for comment, said on “Meet the Press” recently that the law was an attempt to counter a city ordinance banning discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender people."
And there you have it.
The law was passed to overturn a city ordinance banning discrimination. In other words, the law was passed to allow discrimination.
Pretty straightforward when you look at the Governor's statement.
And there you have it.
The law was passed to overturn a city ordinance banning discrimination. In other words, the law was passed to allow discrimination.
Pretty straightforward when you look at the Governor's statement.
17
I don't think sharing the bathroom with someone who is (still) biologically a man is the same as segregating bathrooms based on race. The latter effectively relegated minorities to physically inferior facilities to sometimes no facilities at all. The former is a social construct that has existed for sometime. Before we blast those narrow-minded southern bigots, we should first ask why we ever segregated bathrooms based on gender in the first place. I don't like using bathrooms with men and shouldn't be made to feel guilty or like a Neanderthal because I feel or think that way. I also wouldn't feel comfortable allowing a girl to use a bathroom being used by a biological man. Otherwise, why shouldn't she just use the boys' bathroom? Sometimes in our haste to be as liberal as possible, we ignore certain basic realities.
6
I suspect there are many women who share Donna's feelings. They feel this way because the evolution of species that reproduce sexually has resulted in males and females having different attitudes toward sex, the males generally less selective and more aggressive than the females who have more need to be choosy and defensive as they will be far more encumbered by reproductive process. No, it's not just "society." Society is merely the sum total of decisions made be individuals. And, no, surgery and hormones cannot change one's sex. This is determined by one's sex chromosomes.
Women who express reservations like Donna's are not bigots. Their views simply reflect human sexual nature as it has evolved. I don not see that their sensibilities are any less important than those of transgender people, whom, I suspect, they far outnumber. I also doubt that these women's feelings could be changed without an seemingly unattainable alteration in basic human psychobiology. Only a tyrannical government would even attempt this.
Women who express reservations like Donna's are not bigots. Their views simply reflect human sexual nature as it has evolved. I don not see that their sensibilities are any less important than those of transgender people, whom, I suspect, they far outnumber. I also doubt that these women's feelings could be changed without an seemingly unattainable alteration in basic human psychobiology. Only a tyrannical government would even attempt this.
2
My guess is that women's bathrooms are kept separate from men's because men don't want women sizing them up as they line up at the urinals.
1
One reality that you are ignoring is that FtM transexuals who, per this law, have to use the ladies room... look like men. Will you be comfortable sharing the ladies room with them? Or will you maybe be nervous about there being a guy in the next stall?
Southern states have a truly horrendous history of treating other human beings disgracefully, despite the thin veneer of grace and manners.
Rather than learn from their torrid history, and all the misery, blood and tears that have sprung from it, they continue to find new groups and new people to marginalize and diminish in order to elevate themselves.
There were no issues with bathroom use by transgendered folks before, zero, before some political opportunists found another wedge issue to turn neighbor against neighbor.
There were no issues with in person voter fraud - statistically zero - before the same political opportunists found another excuse to keep the poor and disadvantaged from voting.
I love Southern food and even their phony civility and manners, but the country and world is large and full of interesting places with good food where the people and their leaders don't go out of their way to demean and diminish others.
No Fortune 500 corporation can do business or attract top-tier talent with corporate headquarters based in a state with discriminatory laws. The South will not grow, and indeed will fall further behind.
After all the suffering and poverty the South has endured, when will they connect the dots?
Rather than learn from their torrid history, and all the misery, blood and tears that have sprung from it, they continue to find new groups and new people to marginalize and diminish in order to elevate themselves.
There were no issues with bathroom use by transgendered folks before, zero, before some political opportunists found another wedge issue to turn neighbor against neighbor.
There were no issues with in person voter fraud - statistically zero - before the same political opportunists found another excuse to keep the poor and disadvantaged from voting.
I love Southern food and even their phony civility and manners, but the country and world is large and full of interesting places with good food where the people and their leaders don't go out of their way to demean and diminish others.
No Fortune 500 corporation can do business or attract top-tier talent with corporate headquarters based in a state with discriminatory laws. The South will not grow, and indeed will fall further behind.
After all the suffering and poverty the South has endured, when will they connect the dots?
13
Can be all just be.
3
The only significant tourism dollars in Oxford, Mississippi come from SEC football visitors, both alumni and fans of the Ole Miss team, and fans of their opponents. The law will not deter football fans from any of the other SEC states from traveling to Ole Miss or Miss State games. The question is, will the U.S. military, NASA and other federal agencies, which account for a lot of dollars flowing into both NC and MS, react to these discriminatory laws by pulling personnel and funding out of the states? And will funding for universities begin to suffer as out-of-state faculty, students and athletes choose to go elsewhere?
5
We need to call haters who selectively use the bible to beat up others exactly what they are: haters.
And don't feel badly for the residents of these hater states - they elected the people who put forth and voted in these laws, and therefore through the choices they've made deserve exactly what is happening to their incomes now.
If religion and god is so important to you, I see two choices:
Pray for your god to replace the income you're losing due to your hate.
Pray to your god to show you how you how your intolerance is unacceptable to decent people and society in general, and for some wisdom and tolerance.
And don't feel badly for the residents of these hater states - they elected the people who put forth and voted in these laws, and therefore through the choices they've made deserve exactly what is happening to their incomes now.
If religion and god is so important to you, I see two choices:
Pray for your god to replace the income you're losing due to your hate.
Pray to your god to show you how you how your intolerance is unacceptable to decent people and society in general, and for some wisdom and tolerance.
6
Maybe the banners should be modified -
"Always Welcome, Unless..."
"Always Welcome, Unless..."
3
Tourism? What about those "golden years"? Much as I hate the idea of leaving New York City, my husband and I were in fact seriously thinking about retiring to North Carolina (sooner than later). Now, Gov. McCrory, I have one word for youse: "Fuggedaboutit!"
11
If federal laws cannot compel the governments of Mississippi and North Carolina not to restrict the rights of citizens to live freely and decently then it stands to reason that people, especially tourists, should take their business elsewhere. WHY should a fair-minded tourist take themselves and their vacation dollars to a place that promotes discrimination and continues to defy the vast majority of decent Americans who abhor the sort of treatment being meted out by those states? NO ONE would ever claim that either has been at the forefront of ADVANCING the rights of anyone but, yet again, they are at the forefront of RESTRICTING THEM. I can only be entirely grateful to live far away from BOTH and would never set foot in either until they admit their mistakes and return to a semblance of decency in the treatment of their fellow citizens.
5
States which enshrine hatred and bigotry, which Jesus NEVER promoted, into law in the name of "religious freedom" will NOT be on my list of places to visit for any reason unless work requires it. "No Irish need apply." "Colored to the back of the bus." "We hate Americans who are LGBT." Where, if ever, does it end? And you folks in North Carolina and Mississippi, do you really think I will be coming to your defense in your hour of need if you spit on MY AMERICAN ideals?
4
"recently that the law was an attempt to counter a city ordinance banning discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender people" So Governor McCrory right out front states that if the largest city in his state wants to ban discrimination NOT ON MY WATCH? Well that certainly matches the "Always Welcome" sign at thew hotel?
3
NC and Miss are already on my don't go there list. Why would I go? Its the same old thing. When I was young there were signs in motels along the way that J's and N's were not allowed. When will these people give up their message of hate? God bless...
4
Why is Houston, TX, not included in these boycotts? Their voters have spoken almost identically to the legislatures in NC and MS.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/04/us/houston-voters-repeal-anti-bias-mea...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/04/us/houston-voters-repeal-anti-bias-mea...
6
I think most people feel that Texas is beyond hope.
I'm every bit as against this law as the rest of you fine, outraged librals, but is it just me, or does the UK travel advisory seem a little excessive?
2
Ben K: Not one bit.
1
The EU in general is much more tolerant of all sorts of people and ideas than the closed minded and bigoted people and governments in a few American states, and their governments consider it a duty to warn their citizens of discriminatory practices that could get them in trouble with the law elsewhere.
When Uganda was imprisoning gays (and may still be doing so), the State Department here issued travel advisories against going there if you were gay. And there are constant stories and warnings about the treatment of gays by Putin's regime.
At least NC knows that the tourists who continue to come are OK with their bigotry, so that's something.
And of course, people are not obliged to pay any attention, and many don't. Look at the number of complete idiots who thought it would be fun to go to North Korea and wound up doing ten years in a labor camp.
When Uganda was imprisoning gays (and may still be doing so), the State Department here issued travel advisories against going there if you were gay. And there are constant stories and warnings about the treatment of gays by Putin's regime.
At least NC knows that the tourists who continue to come are OK with their bigotry, so that's something.
And of course, people are not obliged to pay any attention, and many don't. Look at the number of complete idiots who thought it would be fun to go to North Korea and wound up doing ten years in a labor camp.
1
I know, but I mean the bigotry was always there. A few years ago a sheriff in La arrested a gay couple for having sex because he didn't realize that the state constitution was invalidated by the Supreme Court. No travel advisory about that. I mean, shouldn't it just be, 'lgbt community beware the United States below the Mason Dixon. There will be plenty of bigots', and hasn't that always been the case?
In addition to being transphobic and unenforceable (who is going to check that person in the third stall?), the law would keep you from helping your opposite-sex toddler or preschooler when he/she needs to "use the potty." Seriously? How stupid can you be?
6
I certainly oppose discrimination in any form, and support the boycott. But once you start throwing stones, you have to make sure your own glass house is rock-proof. You don't want to visit one state because of this, so you'll visit another, which may have a long history of racial discrimination, or still want to display the Confederate flag, or, like New York, wallow in the stench of corruption and greed so thick it chokes you. If you don't like a certain president's likeness on your money, or his name on your school's buildings, are you willing to look into and overlook the background of every one of our icons? Nobody's perfect; hardly anyone will be left after that. Will you boycott China for its human rights violations, or the fact that it owns our economy, and only buy American? Will you stop using gas because the Saudis provide it? My point is that once you start taking the moral high ground, you'd better have the wings of an angel in case it collapses from under you.
4
i am looking forward as always to my two weeks on the Outer Banks this summer.
1
We just connected in Charlotte on a flight from New England back to Phoenix. We spent some money in the Charlotte airport for meals. No more. We will brown bag it and spend nothing, not even a Starbucks, in Charlotte.
6
Yes, that is the way to show a city that tried to prohibit discrimination against LGBT people....
4
I don't think for a second that my boycotting food merchants at Charlotte Int'l will have an economic impact. This is a totally symbolic protest, and just maybe a few politicians (or voters who really can make a change) will read my post and take action.
1
The sad truth is that this toilet access law in North Carolina is probably one of the less regressive steps this Republican crowd in Raleigh has inflicted one we the citizens of the state. Voting restrictions in the form of reduced early voting, voter ID requirements intended to disenfranchise minorities, reduced funding for schools, severely gerrymandered districts at the federal and state level, redistricting of city councils whenever a progressive faction gets control, rejection of Madicaid expansion hurting hundreds of thousands, slashing of unemployment benefits, regressive redesign of our income taxes, cutting taxes on upper income levels while making up revenue with more sales taxes.... I could go on much more but I have probably lost most of you readers and more importantly I will run up against the NYT word limit. But, I hope you get the picture, the Troglodites are in control.
240
Amen from a sister North Carolinian. You speak truth!
2
I hear ya. Under the circumstances, wouldn't it be better to boycott over something more important than publicly funded washrooms?
Why is the bathroom provision of the law the only one mentioned in news stories? It is hardly the most damaging provision.
14
As an NC resident, these reports of so many people refusing to come to the state because of these crazy laws is totally heartwarming. And it makes me slightly proud to be an American. To witness this kind of progress toward more humanitarian outlooks is a dream come true.
9
Adapting Burke to today's conditions: All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for Democrats to not vote.
10
I'm not sure that all lesbians gays and bi sexuals are ok with gender neutral puplic restrooms. After all those groups are still made up of men and woman. As far as transsexuals go why can't they use the restroom that is associated with whatever genetals they currently have. I don't see what all the fuss is about. I'm sure there are plenty of woman and men that are uncomfortable with using co Ed bathrooms . What about their rights? Don't they have any? Personally , as a man I like using a men's only restroom . I don't even use the bathroom at home to relieve myself while my wife's in it.
4
Think how far the Civil Rights movement and the Women's movement could have gone if this had been done in their behalf. Why has this not been the case?
Will the LGBT community join with us in this struggle? We should all be helping each other.
As for me, I refuse to go to gun states like Texas and Florida where tourist have actually been shot and killed.
Will the LGBT community join with us in this struggle? We should all be helping each other.
As for me, I refuse to go to gun states like Texas and Florida where tourist have actually been shot and killed.
3
How right you are CL. These places with 'open carry' and other lackadaisical gun laws are off my vacation list too.
Who would feel comfortable taking their children to the attractions in a place like Orlando?
Who would feel comfortable taking their children to the attractions in a place like Orlando?
1
This has got to be yet another meme. Did you know some LGBT are women? Seriously.
The solution is for Democrats to take over Congress in the fall. Legislation can then be passed banning such bigotry on a national level. This is what prompted civil rights legislation in the 1960's, and this is what is needed again.
4
I feel bad for the many decent businesses in NC and Mississippi that are suffering from the boycott. However, unless tourists keep up the pressure, the decent businesses will have no reason to pressure their state government for repeal of these anti LGBT laws.
89
Keep up the pressure, yes, but also don't abandon the size able population of moderates and progressives -- help support the groups fighting these sorts of laws.
I can see a national anti LGBT with a republican house, senate and presidency. I feel the Bern but will vote for Hillary. I hope that all of the Bernie fans will recognize that this issue, as well as many other similar ones, are important enough to vote and to vote for Hillary, if she is the nominee.
4
I'm in North Carolina now, as my husband and I take a "zero" day on our Appalachian Trail walk (we have taken a day off to watch Game of Thrones tonight). We've been really hesitant to spend our money here - but are certainly making our voices heard on every stop we take off the trail. We are only visiting motels and restaurants that we've learned are LGBQT-friendly.
I thank the good people of Charlotte for trying.
I thank the good people of Charlotte for trying.
7
Society provides handicap access to buildings, transportation, and public venues at significant expense to accommodate a relative few. The LGBT community deserves nothing less then gender neutral facilities for their personal needs.
There are many fabulous places in the U.S. to visit or take a vacation. Why go to a state that is comprised of bigots? They don't sound exactly like party people (or even very nice).
2
A group of us, 12 in total, were planning on going to Asheville NC in August for a 5 day stay. Upon passing of this horrible law, we immediately shifted gears and are now going to Vermont. FYI, all of us are white collar professionals and well traveled and have disposable income. Although 12 people for 4 nights is not much singularly, imagine how many others like us did not cancel reservations, but simply decided to go somewhere more inclusive. 10 of our friends are straight, we are a gay couple, and I am thankful they were 100% behind our thought process to go elsewhere and spend money where their friends were welcome.
175
As much as I support these boycotts, this makes me quite sad. Asheville (which is quite close to my hometown) has been one of the most gay-friendly cities in the U.S. for decades. It shouldn't suffer for the rest of the state's sins.
25
You will love Vermont! The restaurants and inns are way better. You have to search for good food in NC (believe me, I know) but it is everywhere in Vermont. I grew up in NC, and love it, but if I had to take a trip, I'd way rather go to Vermont!
1
We'll miss you here in Asheville and I hope you come back when this law is repealed and we have a new Democratic Governor! I think boycotting us is the only way to get the attention of these knuckle heads. In the USA only money talks (unfortunately).
6
I'm glad there is a price for bigotry! I lived in North Carolina in the late '60's when it was "Whites Only" racism. But, it seems to be almost part of their DNA to always look for someone else to punish by closing "the schoolhouse door" which took a Supreme Court decision and troops to reverse or now the "bathroom door." I hope everyone planning a golfing trip, a vacation at the Outer Banks, or the mountains of Asheville, will cancel until bigots finally realize that bigotry hurts everyone by diminishing the value of human life and human dignity.
6
Hmm. So a liberal city in a conservative state does the bidding of radical left wing social groups. The conservative state responds by overruling the liberal city. This is followed by the same radical left wing social groups launching a boycott that predominately affects the liberal city that passed their agenda in the fist place. Seems like a recipe for success to me
15
A liberal city in a conservative state chooses to protect the rights and safety of its citizens. Instead of allowing the elected representatives of that city to proceed as their constituents wish, the state government - denying that city the same freedom the state itself demands from the federal government - decides it knows better than that city's own citizens and blocks the law. Just as tourists may choose to avoid Russia or Turkey due to their oppressive regimes, those same tourists exercise their freedom of choice by avoiding a state determined to persecute anyone their ultra right wing administration does not approve of. People deciding how to spend their own money is the bedrock of conservatism, so surely all conservatives are delighted at this exercise of freedom.
92
Why is this comment here? It doesn't say anything about the story.
2
Hmm, I'm wondering if you're responding to the same article that I just read Norm. From what I'm reading, this isn't a boycott by "radical left wing social groups", but the choices of artists, companies, and others to take a stand against bigotry. I find it inspiring (and I'm also not a member of the "radical left").
5
While the businesses themselves may feel they are "always welcoming", the overwhelming message from the state legislators is that these states are selectively welcoming. Until this disconnect is faced squarely in the statehouse in the form of trickling tax receipts, nothing will change. Republicans understand only one thing better than "family values" and that is the almighty dollar.
8
I think a little more kindness and respect from both sides of this debate would go a long way. Both sides have valid concerns but neither side seems to be able to able or willing to acknowledge the justified concerns of the other. A more thoughtful discussion of the concerns of each group and potential solutions that address those concerns might be more productive than the incessant name calling and threats of boycott's, etc.
18
Bigotry is always entitled to a little more kindness and respect.
2
So you want to make the arguement for bigotry & discrimination? Really?
6
It really depends on your point of view. In other words, you may interpret white folks not wanting black people to move into their neighborhood, as a "valid concern". The law doesnt interpret your concern as valid, but rather, descrimination based on race, which is illegal- not a protected right or valid concern. I have a valid concern about your ability to think critically
8
Borrowing from rhetoric about the Middle East, I am wondering whether the United States needs to debate and consider the "one state versus the two state solution." There is obviously a section of the country that is so politically and culturally out of step with the rest of us then maybe it is time to consider a permanent separation? We do not need another fratricidal Civil War, but it may be time to admit that this whole "union of irreconcilable states" thingy really is not working.
2
McCrory is a coward and worse, a liar. This Trojan Horse legislation had a more devious purpose than the bathroom provision to address a problem that never existed in the first place. No, the more insidious components to HB2, and which McCrory never discusses, removed to right to state redress for ANY form of workplace discrimination and froze the minimum wage statewide. That's the Republican's idea of how to attract business, by dangling the right of employers to discriminate at will and pay cheap wages. While I have no doubt McCrory never read the entirety of HB2 before signing it, he certainly now knows its hidden provisions, witness his recent idiotic suggestion that the legislature restore to right to pursue state causes of action. To which, the Republicans promptly responded with a no way. Shameful.
12
Finally, some tangible economic consequences in response to a form of fear/ignorant-based discrimination that's presenting itself as transgender toilet use. Next, maybe there can be consequences felt by those states that make voting difficult for certain demographics who usually vote Democratic, people of color and youth. That said, however, I doubt that any kind of negative reaction, economic or otherwise, will transform the minds of those still entrenched in them-versus-us kind of thinking and Confederate values.
4
If we are interested in effective action and not just symbolic action, the real focus of aattention and public pressure should be the individual state legislators who voted for these laws.
To anyone with the capability, I say develop a website and mobile web app that identifies those legislators and makes it "one touch on the screen simple" to send them a message of disapproval and encouragement to change their views.
And a promise to end the boycott when conditions improve.
We all have a powerful communication device in our pocket.
The ability to use our phones collectively, instantly to send tens of thousands of focused messages in order to register our political sentiments and apply pressure on individual politicians for change is the greatest, as yet untapped, tool for changes we want.
That includes changes to campaign finance rules that over 90% want.
Give the masses a simple way to use their phones to send political messages and then use well known national opinion shapers to promote the effort. That's how we become effective in this modern era.
App developers and those with popular clout (media stars, musicians, sports figures), it's time to get busy!
To anyone with the capability, I say develop a website and mobile web app that identifies those legislators and makes it "one touch on the screen simple" to send them a message of disapproval and encouragement to change their views.
And a promise to end the boycott when conditions improve.
We all have a powerful communication device in our pocket.
The ability to use our phones collectively, instantly to send tens of thousands of focused messages in order to register our political sentiments and apply pressure on individual politicians for change is the greatest, as yet untapped, tool for changes we want.
That includes changes to campaign finance rules that over 90% want.
Give the masses a simple way to use their phones to send political messages and then use well known national opinion shapers to promote the effort. That's how we become effective in this modern era.
App developers and those with popular clout (media stars, musicians, sports figures), it's time to get busy!
2
Better yet allow the app to connect with businesses in the legislators district, so that patrons can cancel business with the notation that this loss is due to there elected official. Include instructions for recall petitions.
2
History will not be kind to these Southern states if they keep moving backward.
22
Have to say I would be concerned entering any public restroom in North Carolina because it appears the state has a significant population of what my mother would delicately refer to as “perverts“. What kind of individual wishes to spend time in restroom facilities trying to peer at other people‘ s genitals? That there are enough of them in a state legislature to pass laws in effect legalizing gawking at someone‘s privates is disturbing. My wife asked in the North Carolina legislature, like many others, uses young adolescents as pages. Not only do we wonder about the quality of civic education they receive being around people who in other states would receive a sound thrashing but I fear for their moral wellbeing. Fortunately the governor of my state is female because I sure would not want her in the same restroom with Governor Pat McCrory of North Carolina!
10
The issue goes much further than what bathroom someone can use. Those conservative politicians know they have no way of enforcing or implementing that law. The fuss with the bathrooms is really about catering to their base and hiding the real issue in the new law; protecting people who decide to discriminate based on their "religious" beliefs. That is the most dangerous thing that was done. That, and the law that prohibits governmental entities, other than the State, from passing laws or ordinances, that provide for more equality than state law, are the true evil being done in these southern states. This newest attack on our democracy, "religious freedom", might just be the one that truly splits the country in two.
20
I don't want to visit a state that has government-sanctioned discrimination enshrined in its law -- no matter what group that discrimination is aimed at. It's disgusting that in 2016, any group should be singled out for legal discrimination. Today it might be LGBT people, tomorrow it could be...who knows? Besides, if, as Gov. Phil Bryant tweets, Mississippi's tourism industry is thriving, then it obviously doesn't need my dollars. Fine with me.
149
What a callously confounding confusing colored mess we have in North Carolina and Mississippi when the bowel and bladder relief choices of the closeted and closetless LGBT community garner more attention and condemnation than black voter suppression, black mass incarceration and the stalking, stopping and shooting of unarmed black men, women and children.
16
That law also prevents workers who experience racial discrimination from suing in state court. Read the whole law, before commenting.
5
To all of you who are staying away from NC, or writing our benighted governor and state legislators in protest of the shameful "bathroom bill"--------thank you. I have lived here for over 25 years and am appalled and saddened by the transformation of my great state. Our congressional districts have been so gerrymandered that it's increasingly difficult to vote out even our most backward politicians. Please know that there are many people here who, like me, are doing whatever they can to assure this entire disgraceful law will be repealed. I am a 68 year old, white, straight, widow and I look forward to the day when the progressive state of NC welcomes and embraces all people. In the meantime, thank you for standing with us against hate, ignorance and bigotry.
429
Bravo for you Forsythia715
5
I grew up in the once most progressive of southern states. I recently studied your absurdly gerrymandered state map. It is a national scandal. It is cold comfort, but many other states have done the same. When you study these maps, you really can't believe your eyes. But know that it is the voters that made all of that gerrymandering possible. I'll bet NC schools no longer teach civics. We must keep the people ignorant so that the entire nation becomes more like the current state of NC. Remember when NC use to be known for the great education you could get there in K-12?
2
Thank you for your work and commitment!
1
While I believe the law is absurd and as my state's governor Nikki Haley has stated - "not on my watch" to the yahhoos wanted similar in South Carolina; seriously doubt the long-term tourist impact on North Carolina. There are just too many unique and outstanding places for visitors to enjoy in the state. It's a bet I'll make that the Outer Banks will be as in or greater demand and filled this summer as any previous. And that Asheville will also overflow with way too many tourists.
And gaining admittance to either Duke or UNC at Chapel Hill will get ever more competitive. Though liberal press may broadcast otherwise, most people are just not as concerned about LGBT bathroom rights as liberal Times' readers may, in their dreams, imagine. This overblown boycott will fail in the face of ordinary peoples intent on their needs.
And gaining admittance to either Duke or UNC at Chapel Hill will get ever more competitive. Though liberal press may broadcast otherwise, most people are just not as concerned about LGBT bathroom rights as liberal Times' readers may, in their dreams, imagine. This overblown boycott will fail in the face of ordinary peoples intent on their needs.
19
Not sure that the boycott will fail, although the eventual repeal of the bill seems nearly certain due to widespread disapproval from people who were probably not thinking of visiting either Mississippi or North Carolina, in any case, and the boycott will obviously coincidentally end and receive some credit when that happens. I really have to wonder whether some of the organizations, corporations, and artists cancelling their events are actually more concerned about LGBT rights than about a backlash from LGBT people and their advocates were they to go forward with those events as planned. Also wondering why more non-anecdotal evidence wasn't presented or whether those states are now experiencing an upsurge in tourism from those who aren't as concerned about or who actively oppose LGBT rights.
For my part, I am concerned only that it looks as if any person will be able to enter any bathroom, no matter how that bathroom is labeled, and that presents some danger to just about everyone, including transgender people. The old system is obviously not acceptable to many, but the proposed system may not be, either. We need to rethink public bathrooms to ensure more safety and privacy for all users.
For my part, I am concerned only that it looks as if any person will be able to enter any bathroom, no matter how that bathroom is labeled, and that presents some danger to just about everyone, including transgender people. The old system is obviously not acceptable to many, but the proposed system may not be, either. We need to rethink public bathrooms to ensure more safety and privacy for all users.
1
You're right. There will always be racists and bigots. Not much you can do about it.
Well, when you have the British Government warning LGBT citizens of the UK not to visit North Carolina, that says something how this HB2 bill is being perceived around the world.
The British travel warning specifically mentioned the point that LGBT travelers may be "affected by legislation passed recently in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi' . HB2 specifically allows service providers to discriminate against LGBT tourists on the grounds of "religious freedom"
here is a link to the gov.uk/foreign travel website.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/local-laws-and-customs
Good luck getting visitors from the UK after this warning.
The British travel warning specifically mentioned the point that LGBT travelers may be "affected by legislation passed recently in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi' . HB2 specifically allows service providers to discriminate against LGBT tourists on the grounds of "religious freedom"
here is a link to the gov.uk/foreign travel website.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/local-laws-and-customs
Good luck getting visitors from the UK after this warning.
2
Perhaps so, but much the same was written about Arizona after that state passed laws targeting unauthorized immigrants. Courts threw out some of those laws, but others remain as does Joe Arpaio. Meanwhile, the economic blowback predicted by the press failed to materialize. That may be just as well, given that most of the pain would have been felt by those at the bottom of the economic ladder, many of them unauthorized immigrants working in restaurants and hotels.
2
Who would want to travel to either god-forsaken place in the first place?
5
The Grand Canyon is in Arizona. Don't you want to see the Grand Canyon?
As much as businesses may complain about the law, or try to market a message of inclusion to save business, I cannot take their commitment to civil rights seriously, unless they defy the law by posting inclusive signage on public bathrooms, or take other steps to directly assert their independence from state mandates. Has the city of Charlotte considered seceding from the state?
35
Might I add that what the businesses really need to do if they have any serious "commitment to civil rights" is to publicly state (through an ad in a major newspaper, for example) that they will no longer be giving the tens of thousands of dollars worth of political contributions to those very same folk now if office whom they financed to begin with.
Signs of welcome are fine but they're right up there with "50% off on Friday" signs. It's money that talks.
Signs of welcome are fine but they're right up there with "50% off on Friday" signs. It's money that talks.
1
I understand the need to do something like "Always Welcome," but that kind of campaign is risky. It's like hanging a sign saying "nobody will beat you up HERE" -- it raises the question about how people feel outside the confines of the hotel lobby.
The only way to fix it is going to be to repeal the law. And given the makeup of the legislature, the only way that is happening is if North Carolinians vote for Democrats in large numbers this fall and send a message to the Republican Party -- and to the rest of the country. Elections are the best way for all of us to find out how North Carolinians REALLY stand on the bathroom law.
All those millennials in Charlotte who have never bothered to vote -- now's your chance to have a positive impact. You don't even have to like who you're voting for -- just don't forget who and what you're voting AGAINST.
The only way to fix it is going to be to repeal the law. And given the makeup of the legislature, the only way that is happening is if North Carolinians vote for Democrats in large numbers this fall and send a message to the Republican Party -- and to the rest of the country. Elections are the best way for all of us to find out how North Carolinians REALLY stand on the bathroom law.
All those millennials in Charlotte who have never bothered to vote -- now's your chance to have a positive impact. You don't even have to like who you're voting for -- just don't forget who and what you're voting AGAINST.
44
What I find most incredible is that it has become literally impossible to find a newspaper that respects it's readers intelligence. The NY Times has become a cheer leading squad for ultra-liberals and the Wall Street Journal is whispering sweet nothings in the ears of ultra-conservatives.
All this is causing is a backlash from the major majority of the American public which is middle-of-the-road politically and socially, and don't want extremes forced onto us. Unfortunately, that is what government at the Federal and State levels have become, institutions that pander to either extreme because that's the people that vote in the idiotic primaries, when everyone else has a job to be at to feed their families.
The idiot politicians know this and take such moronic positions that turn the majority away from the polls on the only election day that counts, resulting in only 40% of the voting public actually showing up.
All this is causing is a backlash from the major majority of the American public which is middle-of-the-road politically and socially, and don't want extremes forced onto us. Unfortunately, that is what government at the Federal and State levels have become, institutions that pander to either extreme because that's the people that vote in the idiotic primaries, when everyone else has a job to be at to feed their families.
The idiot politicians know this and take such moronic positions that turn the majority away from the polls on the only election day that counts, resulting in only 40% of the voting public actually showing up.
15
You took the time to whine, but you won't take the time to vote? I have no sympathy for you.
4
Seems like the solution would be voting for moderate politicians, not abstaining from voting. I wouldn't be so quick to blame the politicians and the media, which are ultimately a reflection of what their customers/constituents want. The American people are responsible for putting these idiots in office, turning Glenn Beck into a star, ect. If there truly was a still a majority of moderates, then successful politicians and media companies would be appealing to them. But they don't, and there isn't.. And yeah the primaries only make things worse, butt I think you underestimate the stupidity of your neighbors.
2
The laws this article discussed are ultra-conservative. You want to talk about intelligence? They are utterly stupid laws.
5
Everyone please keep up the pressure. I own a home in North Carolina as well as Florida. One of the things I will do is no longer purchase "expensive" items like jewelry, electronics, etc in NC. I will buy them in Florida and bring them to NC - thus depriving NC of sales tax revenue. We also frequently take weekend trips to Asheville and Ocracoke. No longer.
31
We will and thank you for doing what you can. The most important thing is to vote the ultra-conservatives out of office and only residents can do that.
11
Are you sure? I'm quite certain Florida is even worse when it comes to common sense legislation. Talk about a rock and a hard place.
While only one person, I won't fly American Airlines through the Charlotte hub (or anywhere else for that matter), I've cancelled a brief vacation to the Outer Banks and many friends have done the same. The North Carolina legislature rushed a bill through without ever considering the consequences. Recently, a NC state rep was on the radio bemoaning the "over reaction" to the law. When asked if he'd even read it he admitted that no, he hadn't. He'd voted for something he didn't even read! So much for the thoughtful, deliberative process of law-making. Fools... now there is a price to pay, and both LGBT travelers and other non-bigots will spend their cash in other places. Actions do have consequences and money talks. There is nothing more vengeful than an LGBT scorned!
68
It's too bad that women don't use the same strategies and work together against anti-woman GOP laws and legislators
In the next 2 years or so, it will be clear how false this article is. Target has a petition against it for its bathroom policy that when I last checked had more than 350,000 signatures on it. Since the gay marriage debacle from SCOTUS, gays have been suing Christian wedding venue and service businesses right and left. They have been more concerned with fighting Christians than getting "married." The people of these states do NOT have problems with it and more states are following suit with laws protecting citizens from gay hate and gay bullies. The LGBT community is clearly ONLY a self loving group and care nothing of the rights of others. That will be to their utter destruction.
14
You are SO wrong. How can you believe that EVERY American doesn't deserve EQUAL rights? Sad - and ignorant.
2
In this country there is one thing that is more sacred than religion, and that is business. Business is talking, and you lose.
2
Let's generalize about a large group of people using an anecdotal, completely unfounded argument and half hearted stereotypes! That sounds fun!
3
Occasionally I wonder what would the US be like today if the Old South had been allowed to depart the Union. Now I know the answer. Less of a laughingstock the world over.
82
A laughingstock? Thanks for the generalized snark from 3000 miles away. I have lived in the South all my life. The South has not cornered the market on racism, bigotry, or LGTB intolerance. Look at the articles in this paper (just this week) about racism in housing in New York or police practices in Chicago, for a start. There are bigots in the South - as everywhere in this country. There are also many people who, for decades, have worked to protect and advance the rights of racial and religious minorities and LGBT communities, including people who worked hard to oppose a similar law in Georgia. We are just like the rest of the country - a work in progress - we must do better - but so should everyone else.
4
Yes, it's clear to me that Lincoln, a man I revere, was dead-wrong on keeping the backwards South in the Union. He wanted a powerhouse country, mighty from sea to sea. Look what that has brought us. Imperialism extraordinaire and having to keep the South. The blue states fund the red states but the red states do not understand that fact. It was strategically smart for the military to build so many bases in the South. That in itself would keep the US together. But oh I wish the South could just go it's own 19th century way.
Or, if the more liberal metropolitan areas, like Charlotte, were allowed to secede from a larger state governed by gerrymandered right wing zealots, trolling for votes. This friction is happening all over the South and is the crux of this controversy.
1
It's a stretch for this author to lump Mississippi in with the much more progressive North Carolina. As a native Mississippian, I think I can say that there's just not much in the Hospitality State to boycott. And the "anecdotal evidence" presented here is certainly unworthy of the headline.
The law sucks, NC is facing a backlash, but good ol' Mississippians really couldn't care less (unless they're LGBT in which case they do the smart thing and get the hell out ASAP).
The law sucks, NC is facing a backlash, but good ol' Mississippians really couldn't care less (unless they're LGBT in which case they do the smart thing and get the hell out ASAP).
24
Haha I was thinking that too. This author seemed to be struggling to fit Mississippi in the article, probably should have left it out. I mean, how many tourists vacationing in Mississippi care enough about LGBT issues to cancel their plans over this law? Who thought, 'wow Mississippi seemed like such a progressive, welcoming state to the lgbt community but this law has pulled the wool off my eyes. I'll take my business elsewhere!' It can't be that many. And how many national businesses have conventions, headquarters, ect. in Mississippi in the first place?
3
I'm imagining North Carolina and Mississippi as maybe senile old white men, shooting a fly in their living room with a shotgun. By god, I got that little sucker. Never bother me again.
24
You forgot about getting a "person of color" to come over and fix the hole they shot in the roof, and then complainin' about the "coloreds gettin' uppity, wantin' to git paid and all."
1
How does one enforce this "law"? I
f a citizen sees a suspicious individual, a manly woman or effeminate man, in the bathroom and calls the police, then what? Do we get a warrant for a genital inspection? What is probable cause? Are poor wardrobe choices probable cause? Are female facial hair, breasts on men probable cause? What about men with Gynecomastia? What about women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?.
It is true however, there are predators lurking the North Carolina bathrooms. There are legions of dreaded "trial attorneys" licking their collective chops at the new bonanza laid at their feet by a misguided and feckless legislature.
f a citizen sees a suspicious individual, a manly woman or effeminate man, in the bathroom and calls the police, then what? Do we get a warrant for a genital inspection? What is probable cause? Are poor wardrobe choices probable cause? Are female facial hair, breasts on men probable cause? What about men with Gynecomastia? What about women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?.
It is true however, there are predators lurking the North Carolina bathrooms. There are legions of dreaded "trial attorneys" licking their collective chops at the new bonanza laid at their feet by a misguided and feckless legislature.
134
Since most bathroom predation is men on little boys, I suggest North Carolina ban men from using the men's room. They've got lot of trees there, right?
12
You just park Dennis Hastert, or his NC/Mississippi equivalents, in a BarcaLounger at the bathroom door. Dennis, as far as NC and Magnolia State legislators are concerned, was a "trailblazer" in patrolling bathrooms.
1
This is exactly what I have been wondering. My daughter and I both have quite severe PCOS; one of my friends has a double mastectomy and has not chosen to have reconstructive surgery; some autistic women have mannerisms that our culture associates with "maleness." Some people just cross-dress. All these people could also be subjected to the genital police.
1
the cities and scenic destinations in NC that tourists tend to visit are the liberal enclaves that are horrified by the state's runaway legislature and Governor. voters statewide are about 50/50, but the local GOP, funded by powerful conservative interests, have rigged the system to take control and push an extremely hardline agenda.
114
The politicians in charge of those two states may be ignorant and bigoted, but money does talk! Two other ideas for the boycott:
1. Travel to national conventions and academic conferences (many are held in North Carolina) is a major component of tourist income. Many large cities from NY to LA have enacted rules against any city funded non-essential travel to the offending states. Smaller cities and counties need to get in on it now. Contact your local mayors and/or city council people.
2. Mississippi has precious little to boycott. One of the few major industries there is shipbuilding on the Gulf, much of it for the Navy. There is a petition now on the "We the People" portion of the White House website that just has 550 or so signatures for the Navy to rescind a $600+ million contract there. It needs thousands before the President would respond. Go to:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/rescind-navy-contract-ingalls-...
1. Travel to national conventions and academic conferences (many are held in North Carolina) is a major component of tourist income. Many large cities from NY to LA have enacted rules against any city funded non-essential travel to the offending states. Smaller cities and counties need to get in on it now. Contact your local mayors and/or city council people.
2. Mississippi has precious little to boycott. One of the few major industries there is shipbuilding on the Gulf, much of it for the Navy. There is a petition now on the "We the People" portion of the White House website that just has 550 or so signatures for the Navy to rescind a $600+ million contract there. It needs thousands before the President would respond. Go to:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/rescind-navy-contract-ingalls-...
15
I didn't even know that the We the People part of the WH Website existed. I hope the petition flies, and thank you for the information about it.
The frustrating thing here is that Charlotte is actually fairly friendly to the LGBT community. Yet, it's being punished for the state's representative's attempts to bring Charlotte to heel for writing a law that they did not like.
Also, the article here wrongly states that North Carolina depends upon tourism. North Carolina has much more going for it than tourism. The Research Triangle Park alone has a decent technical community, and its furniture industry has always thrived, just to name two other strong industries in the state.
Still, it is embarrassing to the idiot state representatives that articles like this highlight their legendary lack of empathy.
Also, the article here wrongly states that North Carolina depends upon tourism. North Carolina has much more going for it than tourism. The Research Triangle Park alone has a decent technical community, and its furniture industry has always thrived, just to name two other strong industries in the state.
Still, it is embarrassing to the idiot state representatives that articles like this highlight their legendary lack of empathy.
71
The Teck community and other advanced companies have pulled their plans to expand. That is just the beginning for companies that had plans in place. Other corporations will not even consider NC as an option in the future. What has already decided to pull their plans were high paying industries.
13
These companies all have their eyes on the consumer, with the threat of boycott if they boost the economies of the states in question. The public relations organizational ability of the LBGT community is fearsome when unleashed. Also of importance, the attitudes of the elite corps of technicians and engineers tech companies need; generally, these folks can be described as more liberal and they are young enough to be more idealistic.
15
And why do the people of North Carolina continue to elect these "idiot state representatives?"
4
Well, Cirque du Soleil has cancelled three upcoming shows in NC, so I won't be headed to Greensboro to see the terrific "OVO" next week, or staying in a hotel or eating in restaurants, or doing any shopping. The ticket refund and other money saved I've given to Equality NC, the state's LGBT rights organization, and to the campaign of Democrat Roy Cooper, who has a decent shot at defeating that GOP jackdaw Pat McCrory. Why should I travel to a state which by government decree denies my basic humanity, and which, via law and politics, demonizes gays, lesbians and transgender citizens of the USA?
309
Cirque from what I understand have performed and will perform in Muslim majority middle eastern countries that arrest or worse yet kill gays and lesbians. I'm boycotting them for their hypocrisy.
2
Doubt it...
I don't see how using a washroom, public or not, is a basic human right or how the NC law denies your basic humanity. If we are going to have only two sets of washrooms in public installations, some rules would be good as gender identification categories multiply. Since, as come commenters have observed, there have been no issues with the status quo - having rules that mirror the status quo shouldn't be seen as a insult so intolerable that the economy of an entire state should be hobbled on purpose. I wonder how many LGBT employees in the NC hospitality industry are being negatively effected.
"Oxford in particular is a big tourist draw. ....the visitor spending there in 2015 was $134.8 million according to the local tourist council 'Visit Oxford.'"
As Mississippi voters continue to elect officials who are backward and bigoted, I'll continue to follow Bob Dylan's advice:
Oxford town, Oxford town
Ev'rybody's got their heads bowed down
Sun don't shine above the ground
Ain't a-goin' down to Oxford town.
That goes for North Carolina as well.
As Mississippi voters continue to elect officials who are backward and bigoted, I'll continue to follow Bob Dylan's advice:
Oxford town, Oxford town
Ev'rybody's got their heads bowed down
Sun don't shine above the ground
Ain't a-goin' down to Oxford town.
That goes for North Carolina as well.
23
Republicans, members of the so-called "pro-business" party, seem to never tire of demonstrating how extraordinarily dumb they are. At an actual corporation, they'd make up the Sales Prevention Department.
30
You reap what you sow.
So wrapped up in their deep prejudice, they could not even see this happening?
So wrapped up in their deep prejudice, they could not even see this happening?
32
As my Kansas grandma used to say, The chickens are coming home to roost.
27
No more Outer Banks. The Delaware beaches are very nice. Also Ocean City, Maryland.
34
If you miss the Outer Banks, go to Assateague and Chincoteague (VA and MD). They are lovely. Have incredible seafood and chincoteague oysters are really the best in the nation.
9
Come to Milton, DE- historic town, theater, arts community on the Broadkill river. just minutes to beaches.
12
I agree. Been there. It's lovely! No NC for me.
9
Count me and my wife in on the "avoid the North Carolina" bandwagon. I've written the governor to say that we usually stay twice a year in the state on our way south, and then north. No longer. It is getting ever more difficult to find U.S. states where the level of tolerance meets our standards.
53
Try good ole Louisiana. We have a democratic governor now, and they can't even arrest people for being gay anymore! (Don't mention it though, still a touchy issue, there was a whole mixup a few years back with a sheriff who thought Lawrence V Texas was more a rough guideline than law...) Anyhoo, on second thought, if you're looking for US states that meet your admirable, if lofty standard of tolerance, I'd recommend Massachussettes. Lovely beaches. Tolerance to spare. Or maybe Vermont. No beaches, but plenty of trees. And the people there won't care if you sprout three heads, as long as you don't eat GMOs. If you're looking for a tolerant state in the south, I wish you luck. But to be honest, I don't think such a thing ever existed, with or without the bathroom laws.
If they want to let only genitalia to define who gets admitted to a bathroom, I suggest that a bunch of good old fashioned New York City drag queens go down to North Carolina and put on a old fashioned drag show for them in the men's room! It would be hilarious to watch them good ole boys run out in horror.
48
N.C. and Mississippi don't specify how these are enforced, so your suggestion is a good one. Also, they could arrest someone who is not LGBT. And in Mississippi, if you are an unmarried couple or divorced, you can be booted. And they have guns everywhere, even in churches.
8
Oh PLEASE, PLEASE! If only Divine were alive, I know she'd do it...
One way to get the residents of these states to pressure their legislators to repeal the anti-LGBT laws would be for Amazon to refuse to ship anything to an address in those states.
23
That penalizes the people demonstrating, writing letters and making phone calls.
2
I bet the pro-business folks at ALEC did not count on the NC legislators using ALEC's own playbook to quickly draft and pass HB2 - and lose them a lot of business as a result.
Is it "Hateful Bill Two" or is it just another "Horrible Bill Too"?
Is it "Hateful Bill Two" or is it just another "Horrible Bill Too"?
20
I think there is an opportunity for creative non-violent protest in NC. Specifically, I would like to see Caitlyn Jenner and her transgender female friends go there to the state capitol and, in concordance with the state law, just spend all day in the men's room as dictated by their birth certificates. That would really teach the lawmakers a lesson about getting what you wish for.
34
Yes, Caitlyn, where are you? NC needs you.
We've cancelled plans to visit family with our 3 kids, one of whom is transgender, in the Outer Banks; I wrote to Governor McCrory to tell him why. You can share your thoughts, too: http://governor.nc.gov/contact/email-governor
33
Thank you for posting that link, Marie. I didn't know about it. I have just sent in my e-letter to the governor.
Thanks for the link - I just emailed him.
The legislators are in office because not enough people vote.
14
I imagine a lot of businesses in these two states figure this will soon blow over. Not likely.
14
Economics will drive change or contribute to it significantly when recalcitrant or ignorant legislators will not. This is true whether the topic is climate change or LGBT rights.
18
I belong to probably the most privileged demographic in history - white, male, heterosexual, Christian, American.
I'm also old enough to remember the "White Only" signs at bathrooms and water fountains in the South.
And I am very discouraged to see another form of bathroom bigotry reappear 60 years later.
And appalled that this "movement" is apparently coming from supposedly "Christian" organizations.
From my reading of the Bible, Jesus seemed to spend a lot more time loving and understanding the outcast than He did condemning them.
These "bathroom bills" embody no discernible Christian love and, even worse, show zero effort to understand the issues or the people they are affecting.
The hastily approved HB2 creates far more problems than the imaginary ones it purports to solve, stigmatizes innocent people, promotes ignorance, and is an embarrassment to to the idea of a civilized and progressive North Carolina.
I'm also old enough to remember the "White Only" signs at bathrooms and water fountains in the South.
And I am very discouraged to see another form of bathroom bigotry reappear 60 years later.
And appalled that this "movement" is apparently coming from supposedly "Christian" organizations.
From my reading of the Bible, Jesus seemed to spend a lot more time loving and understanding the outcast than He did condemning them.
These "bathroom bills" embody no discernible Christian love and, even worse, show zero effort to understand the issues or the people they are affecting.
The hastily approved HB2 creates far more problems than the imaginary ones it purports to solve, stigmatizes innocent people, promotes ignorance, and is an embarrassment to to the idea of a civilized and progressive North Carolina.
745
I agree with you on principle, Wheezy, although I would not deign to place the LGBT community in your Biblical "outcast" category. Jesus does not have to love them any more than anyone else, so neither do you. If you are going to consider LGBTs as a "group," then rather than considering them as outcasts, you would have to describe them as highly educated, economically sound, and politically erudite. In other words, as a group, LGBTs are far more valuable to American society than the politicians who persecute them.
I'm old enough to remember the "Whites Only" signs at bathrooms and water fountains in Pennsylvania. It's no accident that Jackie Robinson was not welcome when he played away games in Philadelphia.
I'm sorry to say that once I'd met enough people to develop a valid opinion, I gave up on my fellow Christians and their religion.
I'm sorry to say that once I'd met enough people to develop a valid opinion, I gave up on my fellow Christians and their religion.
The slaveholder, segregationist mentality may be ebbing away slowly, though I cannot see that. Lynchings are down though police shooting unarmed blacks is a cause for concern..
I am trying to decide if it just the politicians that are idiots in these states. After seeing the responses from these elected officials, I would be more worried abut being caught in a bathroom or locker room with them than just about anyone else. This is ignorant at all sorts of levels. C'mon people. Elect someone with some brains.
42
"This law is not what Mississippi is about.” Actually, if a legislature that is elected by the people of Mississippi passes a law that singles out a definable group of people for discriminatory treatment, then it is really not arguable that is EXACTLY and PRECISELY what Mississippi is about.
44
This, and obesity, has forever and always been what Mississippi is about.
15
Mississippi - the state that consistently ranks last in everything that's good (literacy, healthcare, longevity, etc.) , and first in everything that's bad (violent crime, infant mortality, missing teeth, etc.). I'm waiting for Louisiana and all the other southern-tier states to pass their own anti-LGBT laws soon.
6
You forgot to list obesity. Apparently most of the pork in the US is from Mississippi, and we're not talking bacon.
Do we as a nation really want to make it illegal to label public restrooms as either "men" or "women"? Apparently that will be the next step.
2
No, that's a giant leap.
4
How about singleton bathrooms, 1 person only per bathroom? Who the heck wants to share a bathroom with strangers anyway?
For everyone saying that Mississippi should just vote for different people, the Democratic candidate for governor in 2015 was a truck driver with no political experience. He won the primary because he was the only male and was first on the ballot. The Democratic party is moribund in Mississippi.
7
It used to be democratic until desegregation.
1
Why is that
We always go to the outer banks or St. George Isle in Fla. Guess it's Fla. from now on.
15
If the NY times respects itself even slight (which i've come to doubt recently with their biased election coverage) then they should stop providing any service to those states. Block all IPs originating from hubs in those states, stop all delivery and cancel all subscriptions in those states, and blacklist all travel to those states for your journalists unless their sole purpose of going is to write about how bigoted they are and the status of repealing the law. Doing otherwise is morally and ethically unforgivable.
4
I recommend cities for large group meetings. North Carolina is now out of consideration.
24
The UK issued an advisory warning citizens about travel to those states.
13
To all the young people energized by Bernie Sanders this year, this is a good example of why you must stay involved at the local and state level! The possibility for change does not happen once every four years. Vote in your local and state elections.
61
The President of the United States does not make these state laws.
@nowadays - Truth! It's critical to vote in EVERY election!
I am literally sick of hearing how people who consider themselves "gay" are being discriminated against because they're expected to use the correct gender-based restrooms. I, along with millions of others, am being discriminated against by expecting me to be subjected to sharing a bathroom with an opposite gendered person. When and where in the world did we get so off-based to think it's acceptable to mix genders in one of the most private settings there is? I'm just shaking my head at the absurd stupidity of the ones who think this is okay. It's not!!!!! We clear thinking people have got to stand up against this ridiculousness. Sometimes I think people start absurd issues like this just to see how stupidly and blindly everyone else follows along. Common sense and decency, where are you???????? If these dim-thinking people want a non-gender bathroom, then bow down to them and build ones just for them. As for the rest of us, DO NOT expect us to share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10
Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry you're "literally sick" from this issue. I hope my attempt at clearing up all the misinformation in your post aids in a speedy recovery. First, "people who consider themselves gay" are actually called gay by the rest of the world, and believe it or not, scare quotes are not needed. These gay people have actually been using the bathrooms that correspond to their birth gender since the advent of the first public bathrooms. The North Carolina law does nothing to address this issue, so if you want gay men in your ladies' bathrooms you'll have to pass another law. And second, the transgendered people who are the real target of the North Carolina law have been using bathrooms that correspond to their current gender for a long time now in many states, and absolutely no untoward incidents have been reported. And keep in mind that this new law is forcing people born female but have fully transitioned to male to use the women's bathroom. So if the most important issue making you sick is the possible presence of male genitalia in your public restroom, please remember that this law will actually be prolonging your illness. And my parting tip, I recommend conserving your energy in your weakened state by using just one punctuation mark in place of the long string of question marks and exclamation points that you seem to favor.
Get Better Soon!
Get Better Soon!
602
In Europe perfectly straight people share public bathrooms. Check out the public bathrooms in Paris, etc.
119
If you use a bathroom to check out others genitalia then perhaps YOU are the one with the problem. And last time I checked Barbara, public restrooms all have stalls/locks. So unless you're creeping under doors i think you're safe.
303
State laws prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations:
Colorado (since 2008): "No problems reported."
Connecticut (since 2011) "Unaware of any problems"
Hawaii (since 2006) "No reported rape or sexual assaults"
Iowa (since 2007) "No reported cases of sexual assault"
Maine (since 2005)" No increase in sexual assaults, no incidents reported"
Massachusetts (since 1997) "No incidences of abuse"
Minnesota (since 1993) "Not even remotely a problem"
Nevada (since 2011) "No increase in sex crimes."
New Mexico (since 2003) "Unaware of any cases of assault"
Oregon (since 2007) "No incidents of LGBT assaults"
Rhode Island (since 2001) "No increase in sex crimes"
Vermont (since 2007) "Not aware of any effect on criminal activity."
North Carolina - Unaware and ignorant, and a lot poorer for it.
Colorado (since 2008): "No problems reported."
Connecticut (since 2011) "Unaware of any problems"
Hawaii (since 2006) "No reported rape or sexual assaults"
Iowa (since 2007) "No reported cases of sexual assault"
Maine (since 2005)" No increase in sexual assaults, no incidents reported"
Massachusetts (since 1997) "No incidences of abuse"
Minnesota (since 1993) "Not even remotely a problem"
Nevada (since 2011) "No increase in sex crimes."
New Mexico (since 2003) "Unaware of any cases of assault"
Oregon (since 2007) "No incidents of LGBT assaults"
Rhode Island (since 2001) "No increase in sex crimes"
Vermont (since 2007) "Not aware of any effect on criminal activity."
North Carolina - Unaware and ignorant, and a lot poorer for it.
52
Since they should not make a law unless they are willing to enforce it. They should be looking to hire a bunch of people to check birth certificates at each rest room or are they planning to force restaurant owners to hire these people?
14
That is exactly what I've been thinking!
Which is proof it is a law looking for a problem.
And created by those "small government" Republicans!!
Which is proof it is a law looking for a problem.
And created by those "small government" Republicans!!
15
Maybe I would travel to Mississippi or North Carolina if their tourism boards would pay me to do so. Just kidding!
NY Times: Could you please stop referring to the HB 2 in NC and a transgender bathroom law because that's not all it is. It's as if you've bought into the rhetoric laid out by the Governor and R legislators. The law also removed sexual and gender orientation from any local anti-discrimination laws because the statewide law left it out on purpose. I'm one of those people originally from NC who would like to go home for a vacation, but I cannot as long as they want to discriminate against me and people like me.
49
Yes, yes, and yes! The ban from suing for discrimination is far more serious than the transgender aspect. After all, who is going to check birth certificates?
15
The citizens in those states ARE responsible and don't welcome everybody! Just like in the national election we get what we vote for. And those who didn't vote are as responsible.
22
Why is Trump dangerous? He segregate people into groups and peach discrimination of one group vs the other. That was exactly how Hitler rose to power. As liberals, we must not fall into the same narrow, uncharitable, mindset. Yes, NC citizens voted in the current government. However, there are a large fraction of NC citizens voted against this bigot governor and lost. Are we abandoning many good people who will fight with us against injustice just because they live in NC? While I support pressuring these states by taking our business away, let's recognize that many good people are hurt because of the bigotry of the many.
3
About half of the "residents" of North Carolina don't approve of these officials or their practices. Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville are all enlightened but the General Assembly wanted to punish them, which is what started this whole mess.
3
NC will indeed pay a prolonged and significant price for its leaders’ bigotry, and not just in tourism. They think this will just blow over, but they are wrong. High growth companies – the kind growing in, and moving to NC – are driven by talent. Now that corporations go to such great lengths to avoid hiring permanent employees, when they do hire them, these employees are more precious than any tax incentives or business friendly laws. In the new economy, almost all corporate planning and strategy centers around finding and keeping talent.
The economic miracle that has been NC has been completely based on the availability, or willingness to move here, of this talent. That’s why I brought my company and its now 500 highly paid employees here. The talent that drives the new economy can be liberal or conservative, but they uniformly have no tolerance for bigotry of any kind directed at any group for any reason. They care about these social issues in ways the old guard just can’t comprehend. They also become a potent political force when given sufficient reason to engage, so the old guard may learn a hard lesson in generational divides. But in any event, this is a fundamental change and will not blow over until bigotry of all forms is blown out of NC.
The economic miracle that has been NC has been completely based on the availability, or willingness to move here, of this talent. That’s why I brought my company and its now 500 highly paid employees here. The talent that drives the new economy can be liberal or conservative, but they uniformly have no tolerance for bigotry of any kind directed at any group for any reason. They care about these social issues in ways the old guard just can’t comprehend. They also become a potent political force when given sufficient reason to engage, so the old guard may learn a hard lesson in generational divides. But in any event, this is a fundamental change and will not blow over until bigotry of all forms is blown out of NC.
80
Not to mention the backlash against consumer products from existing providers. Already an issue here for other places.
6
Time to move your company again, Bob. People like you need to put your money where your mouth is.
1
I would be very interested to know what, if anything, your company intends to do to persuade the NC legislature to rescind this law, as well as other pernicious NC legislation, such as the Voter ID (read: suppression) law.
I pass through North Carolina on a regular basis and will no longer gas up or spend nights there. South Carolina and Virginia will be the beneficiaries of my travel dollars. That antiquated bigotry train left the station a long time ago.
35
Yep, not going. Ever.
10
Two things that are missing so far:
First: the Times ought to follow-up & dig a bit: how much have these "protesting" companies contributed to putting these Taliban, Christian Sharia legislators, and Warden McCrory, in office? And, how much to support Rafael Cruz & his boy's presidential run, who have appeared more than once, and accepted endorsements from, even more Christian "religious" leaders who advocate vigorously for and encourage murder of LGBT people -- putting them right up there with ISIS, Saudi Arabia, and mob justice in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan; and
Second: The true evil of these laws, especially evident in the non-bathroom provisions of the NC law -- freedom to discriminate much more broadly, probation against discrimination lawsuits in state courts, prohibition of local initiatives broadly, etc. -- is the whole concept of "freedom of religion", but not yours -- that of the Christian sharia fundamentalist hard right.
The Hobby Lobby SCOTUS/Scalia brand: what essentially is the holding of that case, and that is quickly becoming the law of the land, Indiana, MS, NC, and spreading quicker in the US than Zika: "sincerely held religious beliefs" trump your rights, as in discrimination vs. gay marriage, transgender bathroom issues, etc.
But also by trumping an employee's rights regarding contraception coverage
Just imagine: interracial marriage? hiring decisions? sales? rentals? equality?
Freedom of Religion. It's right there in the Constitution.
First: the Times ought to follow-up & dig a bit: how much have these "protesting" companies contributed to putting these Taliban, Christian Sharia legislators, and Warden McCrory, in office? And, how much to support Rafael Cruz & his boy's presidential run, who have appeared more than once, and accepted endorsements from, even more Christian "religious" leaders who advocate vigorously for and encourage murder of LGBT people -- putting them right up there with ISIS, Saudi Arabia, and mob justice in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan; and
Second: The true evil of these laws, especially evident in the non-bathroom provisions of the NC law -- freedom to discriminate much more broadly, probation against discrimination lawsuits in state courts, prohibition of local initiatives broadly, etc. -- is the whole concept of "freedom of religion", but not yours -- that of the Christian sharia fundamentalist hard right.
The Hobby Lobby SCOTUS/Scalia brand: what essentially is the holding of that case, and that is quickly becoming the law of the land, Indiana, MS, NC, and spreading quicker in the US than Zika: "sincerely held religious beliefs" trump your rights, as in discrimination vs. gay marriage, transgender bathroom issues, etc.
But also by trumping an employee's rights regarding contraception coverage
Just imagine: interracial marriage? hiring decisions? sales? rentals? equality?
Freedom of Religion. It's right there in the Constitution.
27
Freedom of Religion is a great gift to the people. Freedom from religion is even more important.
53
Yes, Freedom from religion IS important -- and you can support the Freedom from Religion Foundation, ffrf.org.
2
As a travel writer, I receive a lot of feedback from tourism boards around the world and most mention how important LGBT travel is to their economy. I wonder if the Visitor Boards of these states were even consulted with such drastic decision. Tourism, especially in seasonal towns in both states are huge economic drivers. I bet these states will complain when they have to pick up the tab for unemployment, medicaid, and the such when people are out of jobs. It seems unjust that politicians don't see the larger picture when it comes to the economic development of their states.
http://diningtraveler.com
http://diningtraveler.com
27
Ditto from this longtime travel writer.
3
All gays, lesbians and transgender people are around 2.5% of the total population.
I doubt many of them are really choosing to travel to NC and Mississippi anyways. Most live in big urban areas.
LGBQT people do not travel more than (say) older baby boomers, who are retired and have loads of free time & money. Baby boomers are about 25% of the population. LGBQT = 2.5% of the population.
I'd worry more about attracting boomers.
I doubt many of them are really choosing to travel to NC and Mississippi anyways. Most live in big urban areas.
LGBQT people do not travel more than (say) older baby boomers, who are retired and have loads of free time & money. Baby boomers are about 25% of the population. LGBQT = 2.5% of the population.
I'd worry more about attracting boomers.
concerned citizen,
well I am a older baby boomer who won't be traveling to these states that practice discrimination, and even write laws to protect it in 2016.
well I am a older baby boomer who won't be traveling to these states that practice discrimination, and even write laws to protect it in 2016.
3
I'm amazed that these were the problems the legislatures decided to spend their time on. How did transgender bathroom use rise to the top of the heap as an issue requiring legislation?
And whether it's a man in the ladies room, or vice-versa, seems like they'd be in their own stall, right? so what's the problem?
And whether it's a man in the ladies room, or vice-versa, seems like they'd be in their own stall, right? so what's the problem?
32
This is their pushback from marriage equality.
20
Get with the program! You probably didn't think flag-burning was a big deal, and just look what's happened to our country since the flag-burning amendment didn't get ratified!
3
What, exactly, does flag burning have to do with the subject?
4
Always welcome ...
except in the bathrooms
except in the bathrooms
6
Just one more reason not to go to Mississippi.
18
Our extended family was planning to rent one of the beach houses in the Outer Banks late this summer. We have 14 family members from the UK, Washington, DC, SoCal and PA that are now changing our plans. Unfortunately, we are losing a deposit on the beach house (partial is refunded). Luckily nobody had purchased airline tickets yet. It's hard to find those big houses in other states, but seems that we've got a few Florida options. Unfortunate for all of us (as we have fond memories of many Outer Bank trips), but as long as we're all together. And this is a family that includes Republicans, Air Force officer and a Navy officer. We're all in agreement on this one. No debates from any member of the family.
117
You can find some nice new big houses in the Surfside Beach/Garden City Beach Area just south of Myrtle Beach. Also further south in Litchfield and Pawleys Island. The Outer Banks are so wonderful -- too bad they're attached to that hateful state.
6
You can find those big houses at the Delaware beaches and around Ocean City, New Jersey (in South Jersey), with major airports not too far a driving distance away.
1
Florida and South Carolina are just as conservative as NC and Mississippi -- maybe MORE so.
So you are not making a point at all. If you must vacation in a lefty liberal paradise, may I suggest Cape Cod (MA)?
So you are not making a point at all. If you must vacation in a lefty liberal paradise, may I suggest Cape Cod (MA)?
Almost every summer over many years back to the 1980s my family has rented a home for a week on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to enjoy the beautiful beaches. Not this year.
51
Ms Hornsby , we know what Mississippi is about, your bigotry is ingrained and go ahead and embrace it.That would be without the support of the larger and increasingly larger majority that is not homophobic, racist, or misogynist. The south will find itself increasingly left behind in a more interconnected world.SAME AS IT EVER WAS.
33
According to Random House Dictionary a bigot is "a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion." This definition could be quite aptly applied to those enforcing the LGBT agenda. The LGBT agenda is Orwellian. It goes beyond influencing policy to policing one's very thoughts. Watch out. If you let slip that your values differ from the LGBT agenda, then you will be mercilessly punished.
2
You're suggesting that people should not be permitted to use their pocketbooks to register dissatisfaction with something? That there is something immoral about that?
26
So I assume this is how you justify your bigotry?
23
There is no LGBT agenda, I hate to tell you. But there are those who are intolerant of intolerance. Is that what you mean?
28
Mississippi is a travel destination?
60
I know it is hard to imagine, but I got this nice brochure once and thought about it.
2
Yes, it is one of the key industries--stately homes on the Mississippi, the music trail with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmie Rodgers, Faulkner's home. It has a rich literary heritage, and almost 100 writers have opposed this bill.
1
I have family there so it's hard to say I will never go. But I will definitely encourage them to visit me in Seattle first!
10
Meet in the middle ... in Vegas!
2
In reality, the binary division of male and female restrooms (and gender in general) is a social construct meant to further marginalize the oppressed. It is a continuation of the reprehensible "separate but equal" doctrine and a violation of the fourteenth amendment. HB2 is a final desperate attempt by the state of North Carolina to uphold the legacy of Plessy v. Ferguson.
15
If you believe for a second that "everyone" is welcome in Mississippi, you are sadly mistaken.
71
So if someone is a trans woman without surgery, she should go into the men's room, since her birth certificate reads male? And that won't make some of the men in the bathroom feel upset? Has Mr McCrory actually thought this thing through?
10
Unfortunately the people who get hurt by the cancellations are the wrong ones. The governor and legislatures won't suffer at all
6
Ultimately they are - lower tax revenues, sullied reputations. It is unfortunate that most social actions also effect people who might even agree with the activist, but that's an unfortunate part of living in something called "Society"
4
Well, maybe the "wrong ones" will vote and get out the vote next election cycle.
There's a simple solution to this issue. Put the proposed change to the law on the ballot in the upcoming general election in November. Let the residents of the state decide the issue, not the legislators.
5
No changes necessary, repeal the whole darned law. It is far more than just bathroom restriction, it has also taken all power away from local governments including increasing the minimum wage in their cities. The right to sue to address unlawful treatment, etc.
4
A friend and I are traveling to South Carolina for a short vacation at Hilton Head in June. We've already decided that, while we have to drive through North Carolina to get to our destination, we won't be stopping anywhere in North Carolina unless absolutely necessary (to visit a rest stop restroom, perhaps). We'll top off the gas tank before entering the state and will have no need to purchase food along the way. The only thing NC will be getting from us is perhaps some urine.
59
Hope you had your birth certificates ...
3
Lady traveller....If you must use the ladies room, please saunter in dressed as manly as possible. Bring your birth certificate and test the law.
Talk about unintended consequences! Last week while traveling through North Carolina I realized that I'd forgotten to bring along my birth certificate. Imagine my consternation (or was that constipation?)...when I realized that I really had to go...but didn't know quite where I COULD go...so I had no choice but to pull into the back of a store's lot and went behind a dumpster. Funny how that word has taken on a whole new meaning for me.
16
LOL! Very good.
1
It's going to take a tsunami of support for Democrats in the state legislature to overcome the gerrymandering after the Tea Party tide of 2010 brought NC to this point. NC is a case study of what happens when you have unopposed Republican rule. Observe and take note, America! NC is what conservative Republican utopia looks like.
That said, there is a LOT of outrage among voters in NC. HB2 is the Republican's dare to try to vote them out in 2016. We may not be able to elect a Democratic majority in the General Assembly, but if we can pare thè
That said, there is a LOT of outrage among voters in NC. HB2 is the Republican's dare to try to vote them out in 2016. We may not be able to elect a Democratic majority in the General Assembly, but if we can pare thè
58
isn't it great that by merely passing a law, men can be kept out of ladies rooms and ladies can be kept out of men's rooms?
it was such a pressing problem; thanks so much to those onward christian soldiers addressing the actual problems of society today.
when using the ladies room in NC or MS, my wife can now feel perfectly safe knowing that the full force of the law will shield her from being accosted while she goes about her 'business'.
of course, we won't be visiting either state, but if we did, boy would we feel safe!
it was such a pressing problem; thanks so much to those onward christian soldiers addressing the actual problems of society today.
when using the ladies room in NC or MS, my wife can now feel perfectly safe knowing that the full force of the law will shield her from being accosted while she goes about her 'business'.
of course, we won't be visiting either state, but if we did, boy would we feel safe!
62
Fantastic! That means less crowded beaches at the Outer Banks. Now if they could only pass that law in Hawaii...
2
If they passed a law banning Jews and Blacks and Hispanics and Muslims and Catholics and Asians, imagine the enormous crowd of people who'd protest by staying away! And Paulo, just imagine how happy you'd be to benefit from all that discrimination! Why put up with all that moral riffraff crowding your beach?
35
Having been a Raleigh resident for over 20 years, this entire string of developments is heartbreaking. I've witnessed first-hand the incredible growth the Triangle has seen in not only the realms of art, music, cuisine, but the sweepingly progressive and embracing attitudes such growth has fostered among both the transplant and local portions of the population.
While I deeply respect icons in the corporate and entertainment spheres that have cancelled their investments in the state, be them business ventures or performances, those actions serve as a bright bandaid for a deep bullethole.
Raleigh is proof of concept for the Modernized South. Teaming with young professionals attracted to the climate, cost of living, and expanding cultural opportunities, this city (like Durham and Chapel Hill) is instrumental in radiating that progressive growth outward.
In order for that trajectory to continue we need the rest of the civilized nation to keep investing here. Whether that means moving and raising families here, showcasing your art, or developing business ties, any such contribution can help foster the environment needed for an empowered voter base to take back the state Congress and, Sir Walter willing, get back on the path forward.
While I deeply respect icons in the corporate and entertainment spheres that have cancelled their investments in the state, be them business ventures or performances, those actions serve as a bright bandaid for a deep bullethole.
Raleigh is proof of concept for the Modernized South. Teaming with young professionals attracted to the climate, cost of living, and expanding cultural opportunities, this city (like Durham and Chapel Hill) is instrumental in radiating that progressive growth outward.
In order for that trajectory to continue we need the rest of the civilized nation to keep investing here. Whether that means moving and raising families here, showcasing your art, or developing business ties, any such contribution can help foster the environment needed for an empowered voter base to take back the state Congress and, Sir Walter willing, get back on the path forward.
8
Don't hold your breath. If NC residents keep voting for state representatives who pass bills like HB2, the rest of the "civilized nation" will invest with states which demonstrate their trajectory for progress with real action.
32
"'We don’t want to spend our money in a state that discriminates against the L.G.B.T. community,'”
I'd be far more impressed had the good professor stated, "We don’t want to spend our money in a state that discriminates."
I'd be far more impressed had the good professor stated, "We don’t want to spend our money in a state that discriminates."
24
Excellent point, HapinOregon: The outraged here seem to forget Mississippi's long history of racial persecution of its citizens, and that Black tourists have long been made to feel unwelcome there and south of the Mason/Dixon line in general.
For instance folks, have you frequented popular tourist dining establishments down there and noticed the dearth of Black patrons? Most likely it made no impression on you. We have a sixth sense as to where we are welcomed and not and so avoid the latter (along with subtle and not-so innuendo from the proprietors, staff and other diners). I'm always incredulous to see the travel/cooking programming on television where the host goes into a lily-White restaurant and makes no mention of the lack of diversity among the diners.
Mississippi discrimination in particular did not begin with this law. I have never, and will never, set foot in that racist cesspool.
As the old disco lyrics preach: "...No Black, no Jews and no gays...
("There But for the Grace of God," by Machine. 1980.)
For instance folks, have you frequented popular tourist dining establishments down there and noticed the dearth of Black patrons? Most likely it made no impression on you. We have a sixth sense as to where we are welcomed and not and so avoid the latter (along with subtle and not-so innuendo from the proprietors, staff and other diners). I'm always incredulous to see the travel/cooking programming on television where the host goes into a lily-White restaurant and makes no mention of the lack of diversity among the diners.
Mississippi discrimination in particular did not begin with this law. I have never, and will never, set foot in that racist cesspool.
As the old disco lyrics preach: "...No Black, no Jews and no gays...
("There But for the Grace of God," by Machine. 1980.)
As I see it, the big mistake was made at the end of the Civil War. They wanted to secede--we should have left them to it. Now, instead of hidebound rubes shaking their fists, we'd have a third world country begging for help. Oh wait, we already give them much more then they contribute to our economy. Combined with federal aid and an agrarian and resentful nature, they are in practice, in not in fact, they have a third world attitude.
While it may be too late to cut them loose, we could certainly move some of the existing products of the hateful federal government from their territory. New Jersey and Massachusetts both have ocean ports in need of income--let's move Norfolk Naval Base up north. And, upstate New York, Maine and parts of Ohio would probably welcome Camp Lejeune, Fort Hood and any number of camps, forts and installations in Kentucky Alabama. If they hate the federal government and spit on federal laws there is no reason why they have to tolerate federal money either.
While it may be too late to cut them loose, we could certainly move some of the existing products of the hateful federal government from their territory. New Jersey and Massachusetts both have ocean ports in need of income--let's move Norfolk Naval Base up north. And, upstate New York, Maine and parts of Ohio would probably welcome Camp Lejeune, Fort Hood and any number of camps, forts and installations in Kentucky Alabama. If they hate the federal government and spit on federal laws there is no reason why they have to tolerate federal money either.
72
Well the NC General Assembly starts their " short session" on Monday and the Senate leader Phil Berger insists HB2 will not even be discussed. Berger, who is from a very rural area, insists the majority of North Carolinians are for this hateful bill. He is arrogant and stubborn and will not give an inch. The governor is basically powerless, as well as spineless.
41
As a life-long resident of Mississippi I can confirm that this state is a world unto itself. The critical condemnation raining down upon our politicians wins them attaboys and fawning praise among their constituents, who consider their actions courageous and in keeping with the Supreme estimate of moral courage. Make no mistake, this is exclusively about good ole boy local politics--white rule and covert bigotry. Our governor would be hard pressed to find job as a mattress salesperson in a progressive community, but that's just the way the majority here seems to like it. My apology to mattress salespersons everywhere.
36
It is hard for outsiders to respond to a state whose government is acting to restrict voting and penalize difference. I know that many North Carolinians are even more offended by these events as it effects their daily life. The only ways I can respond is to not go there not even to visit family, to not buy products produced there, to put pressure on businesses that operate there or are headquartered there by removing myself front there customer lists and to promote their leaving the state. If enough of this external activity goes on, perhaps wisdom and justice can prevail. It is a beautiful state and has a lot to offer the nation, but solidarity against evil is the only way to overcome this truly regressive and cruel situation. You have to fight bigotry; to ignore is to encourage it. Act don't just talk.
36
Measures to welcome LGBT tourists miss the point. Laws like these get passed because either a majority of voters demand them or a majority of voters who are willing to be vocal demand them. Maybe the economics will cause enough pain to force those who oppose discrimination laws to voice their opposition and apply the pressure needed to get them overturned. One can hope.
7
"Laws like these get passed because either a majority of voters demand them or a majority of voters who are willing to be vocal demand them"
No they do not. They get passed because NC is gerrymandered to the extreme since 2010 and project REDMAP, paid for by the Koch Billionaie Cosortium. It doesn;t matter if the voters vote democratic in NC. The state ios so gerrymandered that there will still be GOP majorities in the NC senate, and this cannot change unless the dems get a majority by 2020 and get to redo the gerrymandering. You have to iunderstand how redistricting works, and how some conservative biliionaires perverted the process to unbderstand what happened in NC. This article will help: https://www.propublica.org/article/how-dark-money-helped-republicans-hol...
No they do not. They get passed because NC is gerrymandered to the extreme since 2010 and project REDMAP, paid for by the Koch Billionaie Cosortium. It doesn;t matter if the voters vote democratic in NC. The state ios so gerrymandered that there will still be GOP majorities in the NC senate, and this cannot change unless the dems get a majority by 2020 and get to redo the gerrymandering. You have to iunderstand how redistricting works, and how some conservative biliionaires perverted the process to unbderstand what happened in NC. This article will help: https://www.propublica.org/article/how-dark-money-helped-republicans-hol...
63
If the actions and ideas now proposed do not convince these states to repeal these really odd and un-needed laws, I propose we do something drastic. Pick a day or a week when all of us who look like women deliberately and visually use mens rooms everywhere. At the same time people who look like men stand in line to use the ladies room. Unisex rooms everywhere would solve the problem. But something else is needed to clear up narrow spirited people's thoughts. I must think on it.
6
Ever been in a public men's restroom? That's what I use when necessary, and I don't understand why any woman would want to share the often-squalid public restrooms used by men. (I don't know if public women's restrooms are any different.) Indeed, unisex restrooms would be a fine solution if men could be properly trained to respect others. Don't hold your breath.
2
I like this idea. I thought about it. What is NC going to do, when all these "seemingly" females (and males) use the bathrooms of their birth? Is NC going to hire a Middle-eastern style morality police force to check everyone's baggage to verify they are in the right bathroom?
8
It's been suggested by some to have a monitor. There is a Representative who wants teachers to monitor, check, children who go to the lav.
New name: Genital Police.
New name: Genital Police.
3
As a North Carolina native, now living in the Northwest, I have back to my home state every year for over 20 years, and stayed for about 2 weeks each visit. While there, I spend money on hotels, restaurants, gifts and other merchandise that I ship back home. I also give out a scholarship. That trip won't be happening this year. I am the child of NC progressives in what was arguably for generations the most progressive of southern states. I'm glad my parents aren't alive to have to live in what has become a Republican led very backward state. How in the world do the enlightened people who live in the Research Triangle stand it?
158
Enlightened? You're kidding me. It's more of a bullying, that wants to shove immoral behavior down others' throats. I'm astounded that being "enlightened" includes accepting immoral behavior and actions. Just goes to show how so many blindly follow others.
1
Immoral behavior? The law did not speak at all about any immoral behavior, rather the back woods, rural Rs decided to tell Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham/Chapel Hill- the thriving progressive areas of the state, what they can do in their own communities, and they decided to codify discrimination against certain individuals who pay taxes just like you and everybody else. Religious bigots shouldn't be legislating "morality" as you define it. It's a very sad day for my home state.
11
"Immoral" being those trying to interdict human rights you mean? Or are you suggesting these gender issues are immoral? If the latter, by whose yardstick? Not by the majority of Americans. And if you suggest they are just "following the leader" why wouldn't the same apply to the other side?
6
Just plain silly....and completely unnecessary.
3
Still in high school I found a book that, at least career wise, set me on my way: “Small is Beautiful” by E.F. Schumacher. I took away from that book the importance of scale and keeping things as local as possible. So this liberal southerner could always agree with his more conservative neighbors about the importance of local governments.
I have always understood the call for small government to be joined hand-in-hand with the power of people voting with their feet. Principled republicans admit bad governmental decisions can and will happen at the local level, but the voting with ones feet will quickly check those decisions. Much easier to do that in a city than in a state they used to say.
The Republicans of NC – no divided government at the moment so please paint with a narrow brush when you talk about North Carolinians – have taken it upon themselves to go against their “small government” principles again and again. Over the last several years, on many fronts, they have dismantled and stunted local control, and by doing so they have made it so that the only way one can “vote with your feet” is to move outside the state, rather than from one community to another inside the state.
So, as much as it pains me to say it, vote with those dollars and keep them walking until something changes for the better in NC. This is an argument that my Republican friends can, if they are honest with themselves, understand and even support, at least in principle.
I have always understood the call for small government to be joined hand-in-hand with the power of people voting with their feet. Principled republicans admit bad governmental decisions can and will happen at the local level, but the voting with ones feet will quickly check those decisions. Much easier to do that in a city than in a state they used to say.
The Republicans of NC – no divided government at the moment so please paint with a narrow brush when you talk about North Carolinians – have taken it upon themselves to go against their “small government” principles again and again. Over the last several years, on many fronts, they have dismantled and stunted local control, and by doing so they have made it so that the only way one can “vote with your feet” is to move outside the state, rather than from one community to another inside the state.
So, as much as it pains me to say it, vote with those dollars and keep them walking until something changes for the better in NC. This is an argument that my Republican friends can, if they are honest with themselves, understand and even support, at least in principle.
34
I've never considered going to Mississippi. Their record of bigotry is too long and culturally ingrained, and it immediately disqualifies. North Carolina, on the other hand, is so painful for me because I got my doctorate in Chapel Hill and consider those years to be among my happiest. However, I can't in good conscience allow my sentimentality to cloud my decency. I've now crossed NC off the list of places I'm willing to visit. And, like MS, I won't buy anything made in NC.
31
'Linda G. Hornsby of the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association said: “The first thing we did after the bill was passed was to put up a banner on our website that says ‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’ because that’s how we feel. This law is not what Mississippi is about.”'
Well, this law IS what Mississippi is about. Your legislature, that you and your fellow citizens elected, passed this law. The governor, again, who you elected, signed it.
If you want to prove to the rest of the US and the world, for that matter, that this is not what you are about, show it at the ballot box.
Until then, you must reap what you have sown.
And the same goes for North Carolina, obviously.
Well, this law IS what Mississippi is about. Your legislature, that you and your fellow citizens elected, passed this law. The governor, again, who you elected, signed it.
If you want to prove to the rest of the US and the world, for that matter, that this is not what you are about, show it at the ballot box.
Until then, you must reap what you have sown.
And the same goes for North Carolina, obviously.
116
The US military for many decades was overtly, openly, inarguably discriminatory against African Americans used every absurd excuse for their discrimination. Then despite the absurdity, used exactly the same arguments against LGBT. Until finally only in the last few years they have removed (as far as we know) this form of discrimination. But now the deep South, home of ignorance, racism, and the poverty and backwardness that goes hand in hand with it, still fight on to keep their "values". And they have the temerity to call it "Christian".
37
As much as it pains me, we will not do our hiking in western NC this year. I cannot see giving my money to a section of the country that votes in conservative representatives who vote for discriminatory laws. The people choose who they want to represent them and the people of NC have spoken; but so can I and my money will not be spent in the restaurants, hotels or bars of North Carolina.
42
In some ways these boycotts seem to be punishing the very cities who were trying to make progress on equal rights. In NC, HB2 was instituted by the state legislature in response to the city of Charlotte's attempt to write anti-discrimination and above minimum wage language into local laws. Lawmakers got involved on the grounds of preventing local "government overreach." Now they city of Charlotte is being punished by boycotters, and this seems unfair.
4
Unfair? Imagine being a LGBTQ person who has to pee in NC. That's unfair.
2
No, Charlotte has been being punished since the state government began interfering with its own overreach, hypocritically. The City of Charlotte will applaud actions backing up their stance, and any blowback falls squarely at the feet on the GOP State legislature. If the unfairness is to stop, unfetter Charlotte's pro-human rights law.
2
Repeatedly, I read NC and MS business owners and associations like that of Ms. Hornsby say this is not what my state is about. But, the people of theses states knew who they elected to represent them in their legislatures and so rushing through a stupid bathroom law, that in NC also bans any form of discrimination suit from going to state courts and cuts off any local community initiatives on discrimination or pay, is what the majority of the people in NC and MS are indeed about. As long as the minions of Satan control the legislatures, this bigotry will be imbedded in our laws.
I live in NC, and please, plan your vacation elsewhere. Tell your professional societies to look elsewhere for venues for annual meetings. And send a letter to the state tourism bureaus and let them know. I thank you for your support.
I live in NC, and please, plan your vacation elsewhere. Tell your professional societies to look elsewhere for venues for annual meetings. And send a letter to the state tourism bureaus and let them know. I thank you for your support.
63
I'm planning to move there, bring my business and host my conferences there. We are very grateful to a state that respects the rights and privacy of women and children.
1
You belong there.
8
Good for you. It's time we that feel that way stand up and be heard. The ones who are boycotting these states are using bully tactics.
1
Seriously, those boycotts are toothless and useless. In a few months, assuming the law is unchanged, everyone will go on with their own businesses. Most would-be tourists won't even take a second to think about this law when they make travel plans.
2
You are making some large and unwarranted assumptions there, zj. 1) The are obviously not toothless. They deprive NC and MS of real money and that'll return to bite the politicos behind the biased bills. You seem to presume that the public attention span is the cottering pin that precludes long lasting effect. That would only be the case if real rights of real Americans weren't being denied. As it is, the affected minorities will continue to make the issue newsworthy, as will progressives...it's an election period, remember, and NC and MS moderate voters will suddenly feel they have a voice too, when the whole states begin the feel the pinch of embargo conditions on state and personal finances. All aggregated together, I'm quite sure your assertion will be incorrect and the states will back down or the current administrations will be voted out of office.
18
Exactly. I certainly won't boycott either state.
Quite the opposite. We have a house reserved in NC for this summer. I'm neither passionate, nor courageous, nor rich enough to cancel, but next year we'll go somewhere else. There are so many choices in this beautiful country. I don't need my vacation served with a side of moral guilt.
13
I'm curious about these laws...who carries their birth certificate with them while on vacation? Who is going to decide who looks masculine or feminine enough to use a restroom?
64
It's not just the bathroom clauses. Read HB2. It really is a disaster for many lower wage North Carolinians, who probably voted for the "legislators" who wrote the bill, or more likely copied ALEC's...
24
Exactly...so how can a straight male sex offender be prevented from accessing the women's room? Who would have the authority to ask him to leave?
4
How are they prevented now, and no ones stopping them? Sounds like more reasons to avoid North Carolina altogether.
10
It's a shame that many Mississippi and North Carolina businesses are suffering from their legislature's social agenda. The state capitals should've stepped down when the protests started, because the boycott is an effective but economically devastating last resort when politicians don't comply to milder objections.
If I owned a tourism business or worked in a tourism town, I'd be lobbying my representatives to repel the law and encouraging my community to vote in more economically sensible politicians.
I hope the Missouri House will learn from this and vote against its own anti-LGBT bill. I don't want my state to associate itself as an opponent of progress and make the state a less accepting place for my cousins and friends.
If I owned a tourism business or worked in a tourism town, I'd be lobbying my representatives to repel the law and encouraging my community to vote in more economically sensible politicians.
I hope the Missouri House will learn from this and vote against its own anti-LGBT bill. I don't want my state to associate itself as an opponent of progress and make the state a less accepting place for my cousins and friends.
23
This is exactly what Mississippi is about. Even if they change the law everyone knows what is in their heart.
Yet at the same time if that's what they want their state to be let them continue to push for such nonsense and live with the consequences.
Yet at the same time if that's what they want their state to be let them continue to push for such nonsense and live with the consequences.
24
That's what these politicians get for refusing to live in the real world. The real world decides it wants nothing to do with you.
43
"While the celebrity response is drawing considerable attention, the travel industry in each state is more concerned about lower-profile visitors: the everyday tourists who have already begun canceling trips or planning vacations elsewhere.My sister and her family just cancelled a vacation to N.C. and are making other plans. " To this point: My sister and her family have just cancelled a vacation to NC and are making other plans. I encourage all visitors to look into this law, and how NC is putting travelers off by telling them just who is welcome in their state.
36
I encourage everyone who cares about the safety of women and girls to vacation in North Carolina. Show them you gratitude and support for standing tall against those waging a war of women.
1
You must really feel shut in here in Los Angeles!
5
I would fear for the safety of women and girls who go to NC or Mississippi and be exposed to the bigotry masked by a smile. I would be embarrassed to be called a citizen of those states.
10
Other than the prospect of losing their coveted government jobs, raw economic power is the only thing those jokers in the Mississippi and North Carolina legislatures and governors' offices understand. They're getting what they deserve with out-of-state businesses and individuals cancelling trips, conventions, and the like.
Discrimination of any kind is a pox on their houses. If businesses and others in those states don't like the effects of the 'boycott', they need to talk, and talk loudly and incessantly, to those state government officials about cancelling the offending legislation. Don't they, and the rest of the legislators across the county - and in Washington, D.C., too, have much more important things to do than building walls by discriminating against people?
Discrimination of any kind is a pox on their houses. If businesses and others in those states don't like the effects of the 'boycott', they need to talk, and talk loudly and incessantly, to those state government officials about cancelling the offending legislation. Don't they, and the rest of the legislators across the county - and in Washington, D.C., too, have much more important things to do than building walls by discriminating against people?
31
I think a boycott might work with NC, I think it will have little impact on Mississippi.
2
My closest friend lives in North Carolina. The wife and formerly the kids and I have visited him every year for the last twenty-five years, sometimes just for a three day weekend, sometimes for two weeks. He lives near the Outer Banks, which we love, and we often head across the state to the Great Smokies, stopping at craft shops and microbreweries and staying in motels. None of us are gay, but we have strong feelings about human and civil rights. We have already canceled our visit for this year.
Yes, we know that many of the businesses where we stay, eat, and shop are opposed to the bill. Yes, we know that many of the employees who will suffer from a boycott also oppose the bill. Sorry Friends. But North Carolina won't act without pressure. Just the way it is.
Yes, we know that many of the businesses where we stay, eat, and shop are opposed to the bill. Yes, we know that many of the employees who will suffer from a boycott also oppose the bill. Sorry Friends. But North Carolina won't act without pressure. Just the way it is.
313
Extremist Republicans may have enough votes in certain states. But those states can never have enough revenue. Even Trump can understand that.
21
How is it that people like you can call something "extreme" when it has been the status quo for recorded history? Can you go around dying grass purple and then call us extreme for wishing it to remain green? It is YOU who are extreme, not the rest of us.
We lived without electricity for thousands upon thousands of years. Using your logic, a lunatic who wants to blow up power plants so we can live a we had for most of recorded history is not an "extremist", and those of us who choose to live in the modern world are.
4
Slavery has been "status quo for recorded history".
Male domination of females has been "status quo for recorded history".
Religious persecution has been "status quo for recorded history".
Extremes? I suppose on where on slide you are...
Male domination of females has been "status quo for recorded history".
Religious persecution has been "status quo for recorded history".
Extremes? I suppose on where on slide you are...
3
If the law is not what Mississippi is about, then the lawmakers responsible are not what Mississippi is about. Speak with your ballot rather than banners.
71
Ostensive champions of the free market that they are, republicans cannot be surprised about what's happening in response to these highly regressive and bigoted laws.
36
GOPers keep finding a non-issue and turning it into a divisive and hateful one. Before the HB2 bill, was there really a problem??? And I thought they were against regulations. But they want to regulate morality of others to fit their immoral and fake religious morality.
Mississippi should force those businesses who desire to discriminate against others on religious grounds, to identify themselves so that we know which ones' not to patronize - i.e. so we can discriminate back against them on their religious grounds. SO MUCH FOR PROTECTIONS AGAINST RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION.
I would agree with GOPers that "government" is bad if what they mean is that "GOP government" is bad - as they keep proving over and over again.
Mississippi should force those businesses who desire to discriminate against others on religious grounds, to identify themselves so that we know which ones' not to patronize - i.e. so we can discriminate back against them on their religious grounds. SO MUCH FOR PROTECTIONS AGAINST RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION.
I would agree with GOPers that "government" is bad if what they mean is that "GOP government" is bad - as they keep proving over and over again.
84
YES, there was a problem because a convicted gay pedophile named Sevearance mobilized support for a law in Charlotte to allow trans people in any stage of transition to enter whichever bathroom they chose. The rest of us, straight, gay or bi, don't get that choice, BTW. Charlotte passed this stupid and dangerous law so the state legislature had no choice but to create HB2 to override it. HB2 would not exist were it not for Mr. Sevearance.
1
"No choice"? It only seems that way to the narrow minded bigots - themselves a minority given a voice by gerrymandering alone.
3
Should businesses that want to discriminate identify themselves publicly? Great idea! Maybe a big old cross could be used to distinguish those businesses that want to discriminate against LGBT folk. They could wear a big old cross sewn on their clothing, too, so that LGBT bank tellers, and pharmacists, and paramedics would know not to come in contact with them.
And maybe on that cross they should have a weeping Jesus.
And maybe on that cross they should have a weeping Jesus.
2
And all the people affected economically should immediately call the offices of the ignorant politicians who passed this law to complain; then, next election, get rid of them. A stupid, unneeded, political pandering controversy. Like the police say: how are we going to enforce it? Do people now have to carry their birth certificates around? The larger picture, of course, is of metropolitan urban areas vs. rural counties in these states, and the difference in attitudes.
26
Why would anyone choose to visit what has become the armpit of this nation ?Both McRory and Bryant are right out of the Book of Leviticus , have no respect for our country , our Constitution , or the citizens that they represent. Hundreds of thousands denied government healthcare insurance , because these two dimwits don't care for the color of Obama's skin.
As for the LGBT folks , they are not to be considered worthy of 14th Amendment due process and equal treatment under the law. The republican state governments in question are hiding behind the Bible based bigotry that has absolutely no place in any decent society.
At the same time , both North Carolina and Mississippi are deep in debt and contribute nothing to the national exchequer. Instead , like the indigent citizens that both McRory and Bryant despise , these governors are up to their ears in the public trough. They are bottom of the barrel health wise , education wise , and poverty wise , yet have the gall to take a large bite out of the hand that feeds them in pursuit of destroying the very lifeline that allows them to even exist.
As for the LGBT folks , they are not to be considered worthy of 14th Amendment due process and equal treatment under the law. The republican state governments in question are hiding behind the Bible based bigotry that has absolutely no place in any decent society.
At the same time , both North Carolina and Mississippi are deep in debt and contribute nothing to the national exchequer. Instead , like the indigent citizens that both McRory and Bryant despise , these governors are up to their ears in the public trough. They are bottom of the barrel health wise , education wise , and poverty wise , yet have the gall to take a large bite out of the hand that feeds them in pursuit of destroying the very lifeline that allows them to even exist.
41
Why would I take a vacation to a state that allows grown men in the bathroom with my 7 year old daughter? I wont.
4
I take it your position is that a transgendered man with ovaries removed, on testosterone, bearded, muscled, but female listed on his birth certificate, should be required to share the bathroom with your daughter.
HB2 has a lot more in its five pages than a requirement of who goes to what bathroom. You should worry more about folks washing their hands before leaving the bathroom.
HB2 has a lot more in its five pages than a requirement of who goes to what bathroom. You should worry more about folks washing their hands before leaving the bathroom.
21
We are collectively impressed that you've memorized your Fox News/Ted Cruz lines so well.
As for the reality of the situation, this is a law in search of a problem. And I can assure you that a transsexual (oh my! I'm sure that word frightens you!) is not in the least interested in the ladyparts of a 7-year-old, 17-year-old or 70-year-old. If a menacing man wants to walk into a ladies room with malice aforethought anywhere on the planet (including the one down the street from you) and do his worst, what he's wearing is certainly not going to stop him -- and he's 99.99% certain to be 100% heterosexual.
In short, your Baptist Taliban friends have gotten you all worked up over something that will never, ever happen. Move on with your life and get your mind out of the gutter. It never ceases to amaze me, by the way, how completely obsessed some from the far, far right are with genitalia, bathroom goings-on and matters sexual. What's THAT about anyway?
Paging Dr. Freud.
As for the reality of the situation, this is a law in search of a problem. And I can assure you that a transsexual (oh my! I'm sure that word frightens you!) is not in the least interested in the ladyparts of a 7-year-old, 17-year-old or 70-year-old. If a menacing man wants to walk into a ladies room with malice aforethought anywhere on the planet (including the one down the street from you) and do his worst, what he's wearing is certainly not going to stop him -- and he's 99.99% certain to be 100% heterosexual.
In short, your Baptist Taliban friends have gotten you all worked up over something that will never, ever happen. Move on with your life and get your mind out of the gutter. It never ceases to amaze me, by the way, how completely obsessed some from the far, far right are with genitalia, bathroom goings-on and matters sexual. What's THAT about anyway?
Paging Dr. Freud.
70
I suppose that the tourism industry isn't about bigotry, but they should have known that they would be the first victims of such bigotry legislation.
The legislatures seem happy to kowtow to the most vile bigots in their base, too bad that they aren't the ones who have to suffer from the backlash.
The legislatures seem happy to kowtow to the most vile bigots in their base, too bad that they aren't the ones who have to suffer from the backlash.
24
The party that calls themselves the "party of small government" seems to actually be "the party of making decisions for women, people of color, and LGBT," with a purpose full of hate, bigotry, and discrimination. Arizona's former governor, Jan Brewer, helped pass the "show your papers law," that cost Arizona hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as a loss in population of over 100,000. States, ie. all the individual citizens, don't recover quickly from hateful political decisions.
45
If NC legislators cared one nickel about the economic impact of HB2, they never would have passed the bill. Same for McCrory, who is the former mayor of Charlotte and thus someone who ought to know better.
What the legislators and McCrory did care about, and what prompted this bill, was holding on to their offices in the November election. It was, in the end, a pure political play intended to galvanize and energize their base of conservative, socially rigid voters, most of whom do not travel too far from home.
Hopefully, the beneficial impact of what they have done will be to throw the whole bunch of them out of their jobs, to be replaced with the kind of enlightened Democratic Party leadership the state used to have.
What the legislators and McCrory did care about, and what prompted this bill, was holding on to their offices in the November election. It was, in the end, a pure political play intended to galvanize and energize their base of conservative, socially rigid voters, most of whom do not travel too far from home.
Hopefully, the beneficial impact of what they have done will be to throw the whole bunch of them out of their jobs, to be replaced with the kind of enlightened Democratic Party leadership the state used to have.
38
As many have noted, sentiment comes cheap. I will believe their regrets when the hospitality industry and the corporations with a large presence in NC (are you listening Bank of America?) form a PAC to re-elect Gov. McCrory and as many Democrats as possible in the state legislature. THEN we will see change.
7
the tools of political change have evolved quite a lot since the 1950's. there is "direct democracy" now in forms that are relatively new. the people can bypass the parasitical politicians and express their will in ways that the politicians cannot control. i think this is the real story here: the fact that it relates to LGBT issues is only a specification.
in a consumer economy thriving on consumer expenditures for corporate products in a political system owned and controlled by corporations, consumer expenditures may be far more effective than the ballot as a tool to affect political change.
in a consumer economy thriving on consumer expenditures for corporate products in a political system owned and controlled by corporations, consumer expenditures may be far more effective than the ballot as a tool to affect political change.
12
The free market at work-- one of the talking points of the party of nowhere men. I guess nothing speaks truth to power like dollar votes.
12
Capitalism at work. If you don't like something, don't buy it. That sends a pretty strong message.
30
Whether you are a governor in North Carolina, a state legislator in Mississippi, or an analyst on ESPN, your intolerance and unwillingness to embrace America's growing acceptance of LGBT folks carries a real price tag. Bigotry is not "principle" or an expression of "religious freedom." Let the chips fall where they may.
622
I guess the legislators and religious bigots in North Carolina and Mississippi did not pay any attention to the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court 6-3 decision to legalize Gay Marriage in all states. The decision was actually based on a California Federal Appeals Court decision that based its result on the fact that marriage is a civil right and is not based on religious right. Simply no one can get a marriage license by going to the local priest, minister, rabbi, or whatever and asking for one. A couple has to present themselves to town hall or city hall and pay a fee for a civil license, and that basic process makes marriage a civil right without any discrimination. The North Carolina and Mississippi situations are similarly based upon religious rights over civil rights. Anybody opening a business or putting out a shingle has to have a license, permit, inspection process or whatever, which is issued by a civil authority, not a religious one. A church leader has no authority to issue permits to open a business, and has no authority to govern the running of one. Civil authorities, too, cannot authorize use of restrooms based upon religious grounds. Proponents of these preposterous pieces of legislation will be laughed out of court the first time that they set foot inside to defend their acts.
Pssst! News media! The state of Arkansas has adopted nearly the same hateful legislation passed in Mississippi & North Carolina. Our new Red Team is full of hate. Why is Arkansas getting a pass? Please shine some light over here!
I love my state but as people are saying, there should be fast & harsh consequences when Hate legislation is passed! Just think of all the wasted time, money & effort that's gone into the hocus-pocus game of religion! There's be no cancer or wars or starvation & we'd all drive flying cars if all those resources hadn't been wasted for thousands of years. And it's such a tool for hate & wars!
I love my state but as people are saying, there should be fast & harsh consequences when Hate legislation is passed! Just think of all the wasted time, money & effort that's gone into the hocus-pocus game of religion! There's be no cancer or wars or starvation & we'd all drive flying cars if all those resources hadn't been wasted for thousands of years. And it's such a tool for hate & wars!
To long have the southern white bigoted members of the GOP kept its noise in the bedroom, the vagina and the now the bathroom of the American Public.
These repressive representatives must go ! The governments of any New South must be against repression and for freedom and liberty For Everyone !
These repressive representatives must go ! The governments of any New South must be against repression and for freedom and liberty For Everyone !
23
I don't feel a bit sorry for the major corporations who are losing revenue because of this bill. Undoubtedly, they contributed to the campaigns of the very politicians who wrote and voted for this legislation. Perhaps I would feel a bit different if each of these corporations wrote equally large checks to the various human rights organizations and non-hating politicians who oppose this sort of legislation. But I do feel sorry for the many good and open-minded small business owners who will be hurt by the boycotts, some of whom are undoubtedly LGBT themselves. Instead of boycotting, it might be more appropriate to go there, but stay and spend at restaurants, hotels, etc that share a more open and caring set of values.
4
Perhaps you don't realize that this whole hoo-ha started because state legislators wanted to overrule a local ordinance in Charlotte banning discrimination against LGBT people. The big corporations most likely were in favor of this ordinance, so I don't think it's fair to place the blame for the state's action on them.
Sorry Ms. Hornsby but this is what Mississippi is about. The citizens voted these people into office,
23
Only because of cynical GOP gerrymandering. If they can't win elections fairly, they'll manipulate electoral areas until they do - and that's exactly what they did. So it is incorrect to blame the entire electoral population of Mississippi for the zealotry of conservative partisan interests that do not reflect the views or beliefs of a great many in the general electorate.
3
And who voted for the representatives who redrew the gerrymandered districts?
You can't pretend that the gerrymandering didn't result from the voters' choices, including those of the liberals/progressives who stayed home rather than vote in the mid-term elections.
You can't pretend that the gerrymandering didn't result from the voters' choices, including those of the liberals/progressives who stayed home rather than vote in the mid-term elections.
3
@Nell - Agree totally. I want to scream every time some petulant liberal/progressive self-righteously proclaims he or she isn't going to bother voting because (a) both parties are the same anyway or (b) their "good" candidate lost out in the primary to the "bad and corrupt" candidate or (c) they want to "send a message" to the Democratic party that the party does not meet their standards. They never seem to have the least clue of how much damage their self-centered belief in their own purity can do and will continue to do.
1
Unfortunately, like many other states, North Carolina is gerrymandered to keep progressive voters isolated in a few districts, and gives inordinate power to rural voters who will not be impacted by any of the boycotts. So although I regret that the impact of the boycotts is felt most deeply in the progressive parts of the state that actually support equal rights, business protests represent the only hope we have of convincing state representatives to repeal this hateful law.
161
The effect of legalized gerrymandering has deep and wide impact across the country. It is among the most undemocratic elements in our current democracy, another being "dark money" and unlimited contributions distorting our political system. The regressive and reactionary political elements in our country punch way above their weigh as a consequence.
Nominating progressive people to the Supreme Court, and getting them confirmed is our most strategic option for undoing the legality of both gerrymandering and the influence of big money.
In the meantime- boycott!
Nominating progressive people to the Supreme Court, and getting them confirmed is our most strategic option for undoing the legality of both gerrymandering and the influence of big money.
In the meantime- boycott!
4
You can't gerrymander statewide offices like Governor. Y'all need to get your more liberal selves organized to turn out the vote and keep a D in the Governor's chair.
1
As people who live in one of the liberal communities of NC (Asheville--yes there are lots of us, it's not an oxymoron) we are not surprised about what's going on since our State government went to the GOP because of gerrymandering. I am thrilled to see the loud backlash against this latest travesty. Most things that our terrible governor does doesn't get into the media. The religious far right is completely dug in here and they don't care at all about the backlash. But when major economic interests get involved, I expect to see change forced on these fearful, backward looking, angry people. Of course, they love Ted Cruz, signs already on lawns! Quite a challenge living here sometimes but it's a beautiful place with plenty of nice people.
195
Glad you like it there. Washington State and Oregon are also beautiful places with plenty of nice people, only without state governments controlled by hateful bigots.
6
I am about to head on a road trip to the south, I had planned on the Outer Banks. Now my plan is to hold up for the night in Virginia and drive through NC hopefully only stopping for a bathroom break(Men's room as I am a heterosexual Male). Though I am invisible to them as I have no reservation to cancel. SC & Georgia Beaches will get my cash.
26
FYI Georgia and SC are hardly bastions of equality as well. Trading one set of headline grabbing bigots for silent ones that are no less virulent.
5
I'll bet that the vast majority of the North Carolina and Mississippi legislators who supported these discriminatory laws believe that individuals and organizations should be held accountable for their actions. Well, this is what accountability looks like. Let's see if they stand up and accept responsibility, or just try to hide behind the old saws of "liberal news media" and "outside agitators."
36
‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’
Not until the law is repealed.
Not until the law is repealed.
38
I've always thought that where and on what I choose to spend my money was one of the few ways I can let my values influence decision-makers, e.g., selecting the product with the least packaging, etc.
We were all set to spend a couple weeks in the Outer Banks this summer. We would have spent a lot of money there, too. No, thanks. We'll just go to the Cape instead. Why would I want to reward the voters and politicians of North Carolina?
We were all set to spend a couple weeks in the Outer Banks this summer. We would have spent a lot of money there, too. No, thanks. We'll just go to the Cape instead. Why would I want to reward the voters and politicians of North Carolina?
85
If the 1523 bill is not what Mississippi is about, then why do Mississippi voters elect the people they do? Same for North Carolina. Sorry folks, this IS what Mississippi and North Carolina are about. The majority of voters in these states want exactly what they have. Congratulations to the tourists and conventioneers who a cancelling. There are better places to go.
293
There are consequences to bigotry. Last time I checked, no one is looking in my stall when I'm in the bathroom. Who cares whether the person next to me is trans. This is a mean-spirited, ignorant effort to cast revenge for the legalization of same sex marriage. Get over it. Don't we have real issues to concern ourselves with? Take a look at global warming if you want to tackle a real threat to the future of our children.
931
I agree with you Ellen. But to add salt to the wound the NC GOP legislators and voters in this state do not see it as revenge. They see it as a "hat trick." They voted against same sex marriage and even outlawed, essentially, global warming - we can't have coastal flooding that will increase property flood insurance, can we? That would be breaking the law! Where they will stop, who know. I just hope the voters wake up from this nightmare soon.
8
To say nothing of the fact that these states will be among the first to feel the irrevocable effects of rising oceans.
5
I care if he is a senator tapping his shoe.
1
The feeble attempts of NC and MI to try to repair self-inflicted damage to their images and economies are too little too late. While these states' lawmakers legislate for outright bigotry, many fair-minded citizens and organizations once again vote for acceptance and equality for all. This is a proud moment for America.
6
MI is Michigan. MS is Mississippi. I'm sure the author of the MS law, MS Rep. J. Andrew Gipson of the New Orleans based Jones Walker law firm, would want you to get that straight.
Mercutio, the abbreviation for Mississippi is MS; MI represents Michigan, and they've got other issues to deal with...
Granted, the tourism industry has a financial interest in not alienating LGBT travelers, their friends, allies and all progressive-minded persons, but still the question remains: Who would want to visit a state that has already proven it hates gay and transgendered people?
It will take a lot more than merely repealing these offensive, bigoted and unconstitutional laws to make amends to the LGBT community. North Carolina and Mississippi could start by passing statewide anti-discrimination laws in housing, employment and public accommodation.
It will take a lot more than merely repealing these offensive, bigoted and unconstitutional laws to make amends to the LGBT community. North Carolina and Mississippi could start by passing statewide anti-discrimination laws in housing, employment and public accommodation.
22
NC Gov. McCrory thinks he can fix HB2 with tweaks, and though NC senate leader Phil Berger says for now that he doesn't support making any changes to the law, if these economic pressures continue, I think he will find he has to revisit that opinion and will similarly try to "fix" the law.
To paraphrase Yoda: There is no fix, only repeal.
To paraphrase Yoda: There is no fix, only repeal.
27
Gildan Activewear (aka UnderArmour) has a big presence in Phil Berger's district. What is their position on HB2? Their corporate culture seems opposed to bigotry.
6
"This law is not what Mississippi is about." Except, it is.
177
This is an example of a solution looking for a proble, In all the time I lived in North Carolina, I never heard, read or saw any trans phobia in action.
Indeed, one would hope that their elected representatives would give some serious thought to their agenda items and take informed decisions that benefit all their residents and help to move their state forward.
Instead they have managed to create a severe economic and moral backlash in less than a day.
Indeed, one would hope that their elected representatives would give some serious thought to their agenda items and take informed decisions that benefit all their residents and help to move their state forward.
Instead they have managed to create a severe economic and moral backlash in less than a day.
22
Those tourist organizations such as Mississippi Hotel and Lodging who pretend that the new law is "not what Mississippi is about" are denying the reality that the population of Mississippi voted into office those who voted for the new law. While they are "collateral damage" until they put enough pressure on the governor and legislature to change, they deserve to lose money. Businesses in Charlotte can fool themselves that they like Austin, TX are islands of reality in a sea of hate, but as long as the state has the power, all the "Welcome" signs don't really matter or make any difference.
Kansas has not yet--despite severe damage to education and other investments in the future--seen fit to throw out Brownback and his cohorts. Wisconsin has kept in the damaging Scott Walker who continues his divisive economic agenda. My own state of residence under Rick Scott continues water policies that permanently damage our environment as well as denying the climate change that will drown our major cities.
At some point the loss of business and tourism dollars will not be enough to change the minds of the bigots and ideologs in power; it will take voting the bigots and ideologs out. When will we have the good sense and courage to do so?
Kansas has not yet--despite severe damage to education and other investments in the future--seen fit to throw out Brownback and his cohorts. Wisconsin has kept in the damaging Scott Walker who continues his divisive economic agenda. My own state of residence under Rick Scott continues water policies that permanently damage our environment as well as denying the climate change that will drown our major cities.
At some point the loss of business and tourism dollars will not be enough to change the minds of the bigots and ideologs in power; it will take voting the bigots and ideologs out. When will we have the good sense and courage to do so?
100
"Businesses in Charlotte can fool themselves that they like Austin, TX are islands of reality in a sea of hate"
Please don't mischaracterize Texas that way, Austin is awesome but the big cities are also relatively progressive compared to the rest of the state.
Did you know the Mexican Americans in South Texas would be another blue state if we were allowed to form our own state?
Don't believe me? Just look at the map of the voting results of the last gubernatorial election:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_gubernatorial_election,_2014#/media/...
Hispanics live in the blue areas, notice how we did not vote for Greg Abbott. Blacks live in the urban areas and in East Texas and they too have been gerrymandered where they no political power.
This was illegal until the GOP in Washington DC watered down the Voting Rights Act to allow discrimination against Blacks and Hispanics when it comes to voting. Note that Texans did not do this but Republicans from other states across the nation did.
The problem with Texas, and the South in general, are the White people. Need proof?
Mexico illegalized slavery in 1828, and when Mexico tried to crack down on slavery Whites revolted and eventually joined the US.
So Texas independence was never about liberty, it was about Whites maintaining Black slavery and suppressing the Mexicans who let them move to Texas in the first place.
GOP 101: http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/001.png
Please don't mischaracterize Texas that way, Austin is awesome but the big cities are also relatively progressive compared to the rest of the state.
Did you know the Mexican Americans in South Texas would be another blue state if we were allowed to form our own state?
Don't believe me? Just look at the map of the voting results of the last gubernatorial election:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_gubernatorial_election,_2014#/media/...
Hispanics live in the blue areas, notice how we did not vote for Greg Abbott. Blacks live in the urban areas and in East Texas and they too have been gerrymandered where they no political power.
This was illegal until the GOP in Washington DC watered down the Voting Rights Act to allow discrimination against Blacks and Hispanics when it comes to voting. Note that Texans did not do this but Republicans from other states across the nation did.
The problem with Texas, and the South in general, are the White people. Need proof?
Mexico illegalized slavery in 1828, and when Mexico tried to crack down on slavery Whites revolted and eventually joined the US.
So Texas independence was never about liberty, it was about Whites maintaining Black slavery and suppressing the Mexicans who let them move to Texas in the first place.
GOP 101: http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/001.png
These laws do not just govern bathroom usage by transgender people. Instead, these are trojan horse laws that allow people to use religion to refuse to provide goods and services to anyone deemed to live in sin, particularly LGBT people and single unwed mothers. Who would want to spend the time and effort on a vacation in one of these states and not be served at a restaurant/hotel/marina/tour/store because the server or manager decides that you or your travel companions look too "gay" or that you are an unmarried couple or a single mom? There are many of other parts of the country and other parts of the South where your business will be welcome regardless of the religious beliefs of a loud vocal minorty.
44
I'm straight, but support genuine equality. I had planned to visit NC this year, but I've cancelled those plans and am spending my vacation dollars elsewhere. Draping "Always Welcome" signs doesn't do anything for me. Businesses in NC (and MS) who claim to be "welcoming" need to put their money where their mouth is--support elected officials who work for freedom and justice for ALL, and do not encourage or amplify inequality.
140
We recently drove north from Florida where we were for the winter. We made a point of driving through North Carolina without stopping except for a ceremonial bathroom break. We will do the same next year, avoiding spending for anything, even gasoline.
35
Amazing that the trans gender are being discriminated against for acts of abuse that have not been committed.Does anyone really think that a man will go through all that is required to change their sexual identity in order to abuse little girls in a public bathroom where there are people going in and out? If we really want to make public bathrooms safe, how about we prohibit people who have been guilty of real abuse like registered sex offenders and priests from using public restrooms.
17
Hopeless.
4
‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’ because that’s how we feel. This law is not what Mississippi is about.”
If that is how a majority of Mississippi citizens really feel, perhaps they would elect different politicians.
If that is how a majority of Mississippi citizens really feel, perhaps they would elect different politicians.
158
If you think it is bad looking in from the outside, you should try living in this backward, redneck, hillybilly state as I have for 63 years. The location(geography) is great,beaches, mountains etc.. fantastic, but 50% of the people still want to live in the antebellum south.
36
Linda G. Hornsby of the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association said: “The first thing we did after the bill was passed was to put up a banner on our website that says ‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’
*********
Instead of cute little banners that proclamin everyone welcome, perhaps the tourism officials need to focus their efforts around showing up in large numbers in Jackson and Raleigh on a daily basis to put visible pressure on state legislatures until these abominations of the law are rightfully overturned. Because until then, no, everyone is not welcome, and until everyone is truly welcome, no one is welcome.
*********
Instead of cute little banners that proclamin everyone welcome, perhaps the tourism officials need to focus their efforts around showing up in large numbers in Jackson and Raleigh on a daily basis to put visible pressure on state legislatures until these abominations of the law are rightfully overturned. Because until then, no, everyone is not welcome, and until everyone is truly welcome, no one is welcome.
226
Why don't the states requre that all the politicians who voted in these horrible laws be obligated to make up the difference in what is lost in tourism dollars. Then let's see how quickly the laws are repealed
133
Well, letters and banners are great window dressing, but they really don't accomplish anything. Since the businesses and the people of these states clearly showed a preference for Republican governments who cater exclusively to the extreme right of their bases, they need to experience the dire consequences of their votes. If businesses truly felt outrage beyond the damage to their bottom lines, they would take more forceful approaches to undoing these heinous laws, e.g., civil disobedience, sponsoring mass protests, forming PACs to elect Democrats across the board, etc.
In the mean time, I will happily stay away from these states and boycott any companies that are either headquartered or have large manufacturing facilities in these states. This includes Lowe's, Lane Furniture, Continental Tires, Nissan, etc.
In the mean time, I will happily stay away from these states and boycott any companies that are either headquartered or have large manufacturing facilities in these states. This includes Lowe's, Lane Furniture, Continental Tires, Nissan, etc.
466
NC has a strong democratic and progressive history despite well-known figures such as Jessie Helms holding long office. We went for Obama in 08. Sadly we got screwed by gerrymandering that locked many of the extremists in office and they are destroying our state. The majority of us do not support this nor the other nonsense they've imposed. Yet our legislature and governor are reaping exactly what they've sewn and deserve every bit of the fallout.
178
It must be noted that Pat McCrory, governor of North Carolina, was quite the moderate when he was mayor of Charlotte and he ran as a moderate.
At some point, he took a rather hard right turn.
The good news is that he is up for re-election this fall. Maybe he will be a one term governor.
At some point, he took a rather hard right turn.
The good news is that he is up for re-election this fall. Maybe he will be a one term governor.
19
Don't forget Bank of America.
3
Let them suffer the economic and cultural effects of their bigoted lawmakers.
252
The Republican legislators driving HB2 are cozily ensconced in their red-county gerrymandered districts, far from the effects of the boycotts they have provoked.... Sadly, lots of LGBT advocates are vigorously pumping a pump handle that isn't connected to the pump..... Alternatives welcome!
3
If you want someone to suffer because of their beliefs, you're no better than NC lawmakers.
2
Bigotry is a belief system?
6
Looks like these bigoted states are reaping what they sowed.
I hope, one day, that the USA as a nation will grow up and join the civilised world. I was shocked as a teenager in the 1960s that the US Black population were oppressed and segregated and that some deity was used to justify it then. I am disgusted, today, that these fools have not learned from their own history
I hope, one day, that the USA as a nation will grow up and join the civilised world. I was shocked as a teenager in the 1960s that the US Black population were oppressed and segregated and that some deity was used to justify it then. I am disgusted, today, that these fools have not learned from their own history
270
The history of the UK, past and present, is not much better. The naivete of in-group superiority, not religion, is the real threat. "Shock, fools, disgusted" – your choice of language gives you away.
9
Banners are cheap, and half these people voted to put the Republicans in office who enacted these laws. When the hotel & tourist people announce their super PAC has donated $50,000 for Gov. McCrory's opponent in NC this fall, maybe I'll start to believe them. Southern bigotry can't be solved with a vinyl banner.
452
Still, one has to feel a little bad for the unfortunate groups that voted against the measures but get boycotted anyway. Statistics say you would be right more than half the time, but what about the others?
I would like to see this fiasco put to an end soon, both for those discriminated against and for the innocent people being punished in the boycotting process.
I would like to see this fiasco put to an end soon, both for those discriminated against and for the innocent people being punished in the boycotting process.
1
I truly can't imagine anyone planning a vacation saying, "Gee, I think I'll go to Mississippi." I'd say that person, if they exist, should get themselves a map and realize there are about a million other places in the world that would be more desirable. It seems that place would be more a location from which you flee, rather than a place you seek.
175
That's not fair. There's a lot to see in Mississippi - I look forward to visiting at some point, after these laws are off their books.
6
Actually, td, I did think that, recently. I wanted to tour the delta country from Memphis down to New Orleans. I'm certainly not taking that trip now, however.
13
I think we should invent a new term for this brand of location-based stereotyping and closed-mindedness. Let's call it placism.
10
Republicans are great at long ball, witness their patient use of gerrymandering to take over the Congress. This is along the same lines. If McCrory and Pope can drive out enough of the "takers", NC can become a genteel Southern paradise for business, with low taxes and no racial issues to discourage NC as a retirement community for affluent golfers.