Blurbal Perspective

On Thursday, Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy signed an executive order, banning  state funded travel to North Carolina. The decision comes after NC governor McCrory passed an anti-LGBT law, allowing people and businesses to discriminate against those in the LGBT community. Connecticut joins New York State, Boston, MA, and San Francisco in banning travel to North Carolina. Malloy released a statement, saying: "When we see discrimination and injustice, we have to act. This law is not just wrong, it poses a public safety risk to Connecticut residents traveling through North Carolina.  That’s why I have signed an executive order banning state-funded travel to the state. Nearly two decades ago, Connecticut was among the first states to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination law concerning sexual orientation, and three years ago I proudly signed a law adding gender identity and expression to those statutes. We need to do what we can to stand up and act against laws that...

Yesterday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a non-essential state travel ban to North Carolina, in protest of North Carolina's anti-LGBT law. The Executive Order from the Governor's office stated that all New York State agencies, departments, boards, and commissions should bar publicly funded travel to NC. The anti-LGBT law in NC bars trans individuals from using bathrooms according to their gender identity. The law also prohibits municipalities from extending protections to anyone in the LGBT community. Governor Cuomo said this in the Executive Order : "In New York, we believe that all people – regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation – deserve the same rights and protections under the law. From Stonewall to marriage equality, our state has been a beacon of hope and equality for the LGBT community, and we will not stand idly by as misguided legislation replicates the discrimination of the past. As long as there is a law in North Carolina ...

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has banned non-essential publically funded trips to North Carolina, after NC Governor Pat McCrory passed a law allowing anti-LGBT discrimination in the state. The travel ban was issued on Friday, two days after the bill was signed into law. Mayor Ed Lee issued the following statement: "We are standing united as San Franciscans to condemn North Carolina's new discriminatory that turns back the clock on protecting the rights of all Americans including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. With other states like Georgia on the verge of passing more discriminatory laws, let me be clear that San Francisco taxpayers will not subsidize legally-sanctioned discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in any city or state. Last year, Mayor Lee banned city related travel to Indiana after the state passed a law allowing business owners to discriminate against people based on sexual orientation and gender ...

On Thursday, the National Basketball Association threatened to pull its 2017 all-star game in Charlotte after NC governor Pat McCrory signed a LGBT discrimination law into effect. In a tweet from the NBA's Twitter account, the organization expressed concern that the "discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect." The association also stated that it is dedicated to "creating an inclusive environment to all who attend our games and events." There is no word on when the NBA will make an official decision about the 2017 NBA all-star game. My Two Cents I am so glad that the NBA is standing up for the LGBT community. I hope that the NBA makes the decision to relocate to a city that is more supportive of ALL walks of life.  Sound off: Do you support the NBA's threat to relocate the all-star games? Where should they relocate to?

Republican governor Pat McCrory signed a bill on Wednesday night that will allow for LGBT discrimination throughout North Carolina. The bill also revokes the right for transgender individuals to use a bathroom based on gender identity. Lawmakers voted 83-25 on this bill. Democratic Senators staged a walkout while this bill was being discussed. The bill was voted on again, without any Democrats voting. The result was unanimously in favor of passing the bill, 32-0. This bill also mandates that state lawmakers can pass laws regarding employment discrimination, minimum wages, and using public accommodations (this goes against federal law). After word of this law was released, social media erupted in anger and opposition. Gov. McCrory stood by his bill, which will take effect immediately, on April 1. My Two Cents: As a member of the LGBT community, this bill saddens me. My brothers and sisters in this community now have no rights if they go to NC. Moreover, my transgender...