Post by pavel on May 12, 2016 23:37:41 GMT -6
Companies That Oppose HB2 Now Being Targeted for Retribution by North Carolina GOP Lawmakers
Citing its damaging effects on business, over two hundred companies that are based in or do business in North Carolina have signed an HRC letter denouncing HB2 and asking that it be repealed. Now, those companies are being targeted by Republican lawmakers or their staffs, according to lobbyists who say it's unprecedented.
"Lobbyists say they've been told – either directly by legislative leaders or by lawmakers' staff – that, if they or the businesses they represent speak out publicly against House Bill 2, they can expect retribution from House and Senate leaders," WRAL reports.
"One long-time lobbyist called the pressure a 'gross abuse of power.' Another veteran lobbyist labeled it 'vicious,' adding, 'I've never seen anything like it.'"
The CEO of North Carolina-based Red Hat software, a $1.5 billion multi-national S&P 500 component company in March tweeted an emotional response the day HB2 was passed and signed into law:
Read more: www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/north_carolina_republicans_now_targeting_companies_that_oppose_hb2_for_retribution
Citing its damaging effects on business, over two hundred companies that are based in or do business in North Carolina have signed an HRC letter denouncing HB2 and asking that it be repealed. Now, those companies are being targeted by Republican lawmakers or their staffs, according to lobbyists who say it's unprecedented.
"Lobbyists say they've been told – either directly by legislative leaders or by lawmakers' staff – that, if they or the businesses they represent speak out publicly against House Bill 2, they can expect retribution from House and Senate leaders," WRAL reports.
"One long-time lobbyist called the pressure a 'gross abuse of power.' Another veteran lobbyist labeled it 'vicious,' adding, 'I've never seen anything like it.'"
The CEO of North Carolina-based Red Hat software, a $1.5 billion multi-national S&P 500 component company in March tweeted an emotional response the day HB2 was passed and signed into law:
At #RedHat we strongly value diversity: t.co/XDfUVzC1OL. HB#2 is a clear step backwards. Sad day. #WeAreNotThis
— Jim Whitehurst (@jwhitehurst) March 23, 2016
— Jim Whitehurst (@jwhitehurst) March 23, 2016
Read more: www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/north_carolina_republicans_now_targeting_companies_that_oppose_hb2_for_retribution