Mental health professionals call for North Carolina to repeal HB2
Over 150 mental health professionals have urged North Carolina to repeal HB2.
An open letter from the psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and social workers said the new law “has created a climate of fear and confusion” among the LGBT community.
The bill, signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory last month, restricts the rights of trans people to use a gender-appropriate bathroom.
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It also rolls back local ordinances protecting the trans community.
The open letter, published by WRAL cites studies which show that trans students have lower self esteem, are at more risk of suicide and depression.
It also dispels arguments by pro-HB2 arguers, that the bill protects children from sexual predators.
They noted that there has been no increase in public safety threats in other jurisdictions where people can use a gender-appropriate bathroom.
“As mental health professionals, keeping people safe is a top priority,” the letter reads.
“The only real threat is to the safety of transgender people who can’t use appropriate bathrooms.”
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The new law also bans transgender students in public schools from using their preferred bathroom.
McCrory’s decision has attracted a legal challenge as well as a growing boycott of the state, with over 100 companies slamming the decision.
After Springsteen’s announcement, the guitarist from the E Street Band Steven Van Zandt said North Carolina’s anti-LGBT law is like an “evil virus” in explaining why their concert was cancelled for this Sunday.
Springsteen was accused of using “bully tactics” for cancelling the concert by one of the state’s Representatives.
But dozens of celebrities and hundreds of fans came to the defence of Springsteen, commending him for taking a stand.
McCrory earlier this week issued an order attempting to water down the anti-LGBT law – but most of its provisions remain in place.
“After listening to people’s feedback for the past several weeks on this issue, I have come to the conclusion that there is a great deal of misinformation, misinterpretation, confusion, a lot of passion and frankly, selective outrage and hypocrisy, especially against the great state of North Carolina,” McCrory said in a statement.
“Based upon this feedback, I am taking action to affirm and improve the state’s commitment to privacy and equality.”
Meanwhile in Mississippi, which passed similar, if not worse legislation, Sharon Stone cancelled filming of a project in the state, and Bryan Adams also snubbed the state, cancelling a gig.
