While visiting Charlotte for NFL
meetings this week, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York called for
repeal of North Carolina's anti-gay law.
“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,” York said in a statement. “HB2 does not
reflect the values of our organization, of our country, or the
majority of North Carolinians.”
House Bill 2, approved in March, has
created a firestorm of controversy, leading to protests and job
losses in the state. It blocks cities from enacting LGBT protections
and prohibits transgender people from using the bathroom of their
choice in government buildings, including schools.
York also announced a $75,000 gift to
the Equality North Carolina Foundation to “further their work.”
“Our heartfelt thanks are with Jed
York and the San Francisco 49ers for their support and leadership at
this critical time,” Equality North Carolina said in a statement.
“It is clear that leaders at the General Assembly must act quickly
to salvage our state's reputation.”
(Related: North
Carolina Republican leaders pressure Charlotte to repeal LGBT
protections.)