Inslee shames North Carolina for anti-transgender law

Washington state is the latest government to shame North Carolina in the wake of its anti-transgender legislation.

After Seattle banned all official travel to North Carolina, Governor Jay Inslee did the same at the state level on Tuesday.

Related: North Carolina needs to start restroom inspections to enforce latest bill

“Our nation is rightfully moving toward increased acceptance and celebration of diversity. The discriminatory policies being promoted by North Carolina is not something our state condones or supports,” Inslee said.

Inslee’s prohibition on travel to North Carolina bans publicly funded, non-essential trips to the state by executive and small cabinet staff as long as North Carolina’s law stands.

North Carolina lawmakers passed HB 2 recently. The law prohibits local jurisdictions from allowing transgender individuals from using a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. Rather, if forces them to use the facility that matches what is on their birth certificate.

In contrast, Inslee points to the Washington State Human Rights Commission’s rule on the same issue. In Washington, a transgender person can use the restroom or locker room that aligns with their identity. The rule has drawn criticism and pushback from some.

“Washington is a state where everyone should feel free to be who they are without fear of discrimination, intimidation or harassment,” Inslee said. “It’s important that our state laws, policies and practices reflect the values and realities of the people we serve.”