Justice Department Says NC’s ‘Bathroom Law’ Violates Civil Rights – ABC News

The department gave the state until Monday to respond to the letter “by confirming that the State will not comply with or implement HB2.”

 

A Justice Department source tells ABC News that the Justice Department hopes that the state will comply with the letter voluntarily. If the state does not, the source said that the Justice Department will use other tools at its disposal, but did not specifically list the possible punishments.

 

In response, Governor Pat McCrory said in a statement that his office will work to determine the next steps in addressing the letter.

 

“A claim by the Obama administration charges that one part of House Bill 2, which requires state employees in public government buildings and students in our universities to use a restroom, locker room and shower facility that match their biological sex, is now in violation of federal law. The Obama administration has not only staked out its position for North Carolina, but for all states, universities and most employers in the U.S.,” the statement reads.

 

“The right and expectation of privacy in one of the most private areas of our personal lives is now in jeopardy. We will be reviewing to determine the next steps.”

 

The law, which critics say is anti-LGBT because it discriminates against gay and transgender residents, has been the source of controversy since it was first introduced. But supporters argue the law defends religious liberty and protects girls in public restrooms.

 

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