We've said many times before that businesses can play a major role in fighting for LGBT rights and equality. Jed York combines business and sports in a recent statement against North Carolina's Bathroom Bill. Not only does he speak against the negative discriminatory law, he puts his money where his mouth is.
Jed York, owner of the San Francisco 49ers football team and CEO of the brand, has called for a repeal of HB2, the law passed in North Carolina blocking legislature protecting LGBT citizens and, subsequently, demanding trans students use the bathrooms associated with their birth certificate sex.
In addition, York donated $75,000 dollars to Equality North Carolina, the self-proclaimed largest LGBT advocacy group in the state.
York explained in a public statement:
The San Francisco 49ers are deeply concerned about North Carolina’s recently-enacted House Bill 2, which overturned protections for LGBT people and sanctioned discrimination across the state. HB 2 does not reflect the values of our organization, of our country, or the majority of North Carolinians.
We firmly believe that discriminatory laws such as HB2 are bad for our employees, bad for our fans, and bad for business. We believe that HB2 will make it far more challenging for businesses across the state to recruit and retain the nation’s best and brightest workers and attract the most talented students from across the country. It will also diminish the state’s draw as a destination for sporting events, tourism and conventions, and new business activity.
Discrimination is wrong, and we believe it has no place in North Carolina or anywhere in our country. As an organization that prides ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming to all, we strongly urge Governor Pat McCrory and the leadership of North Carolina’s legislature to repeal this law in the current legislative session.
Along with other NFL team owners, York went to Charlotte, NC this past week to discuss the Super Bowl. Charlotte's mayor has publicly rejected the HB2 law and is actively fighting against it and meeting with groups working toward equal treatment of trans citizens.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN: "We embrace diversity and inclusiveness in all of our policies, The Panthers have made clear their position of non-discrimination and respect for all their fans. The city of Charlotte also has made clear its position." – out.com
What I also find exciting is that this issue has many non-LGBT individuals speaking up. The speaking against HB2 has not died down. It is not a social issue that was a flash in the pan for the news and media. It is one that is receiving attention from amazing LGBT supporters and they are not letting up.
Thank you Jed York for your words, your funds, and your support.
h/t: out.com