BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition says it is supporting its member companies in opposing North Carolina's HB2 law, as well as similar proposed legislation in other states.
HB2 permits discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and prohibits cities and counties from passing local laws to protect LGBT people from discrimination.
"The recently passed North Carolina legislation that discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in public spaces, such as parks, and the workplace, is in direct opposition to OIWC's mission," said OIWC's executive director Deanne Buck, in a statement. "In plain words, North Carolina's law denies LGBT people basic legal protections."
"When legislation is proposed and passed, at the national, state, or local level, that directly impacts even one of our individual member's ability to feel included and welcomed, we must take a public stand," said Buck.
While several major companies, including PayPal, have changed plans to expand in North Carolina since the law was signed, and performers such as Bruce Springsteen have canceled concerts in the state, it's not clear which outdoor or bike-related companies have publicly stated a position on the law.
An exception is Patagonia, which is a member of the B Lab, a group of socially-concious corporations that canceled a convention planned for this fall in North Carolina to protest the legislation. New Belgium Brewing, which has operations in Colorado and North Carolina, and which is active in many bike-related causes, also is supporting the cancelation of the B Lab event in North Carolina.
Bicycle Retailer & Industry News is a corporate member of the OIWC.
