13 Conventions Have Canceled or Decided Against North Carolina Because of Anti-LGBT Law HB2

Anti-LGBT Law Inflicting Serious Economic Damage on North Carolina

The image at the top from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority shows just how much tourism adds to the local economy. A lot. But since Governor Pat McCrory signed HB2, an anti-LGBT bill, into law last month, well over 1000 jobs have been moved out of state, and well over 100 companies have expressed concern or anger, warning they may move or cancel plans to expand, costing the state millions of dollars.

Sadly for the good people of North Carolina, it just got worse.

The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) says that the city has lost 13 conventions – four definite cancellations, another nine more “lost possibilities” – because of HB2, according to local NBC affiliate WNCN. HB2 is the expansive anti-LGBT law Republicans forced through the General Assembly and Gov. McCrory signed in the space of 12 hours. 

Not only have 13 conventions decided against coming to Charlotte, but “there are at least 29 groups who say they are hesitant or concerned to bring their events and/or organizations,” the CRVA says.

WNCN’s Xavier Walton offered details on Twitter.

He calculates a total potential loss of $8.9 million in hotel room bookings alone. That does not include meals, transportation, shopping, sightseeing, etc. 

It’s clear HB2 is costing taxpayers literally millions of dollars.

Also announced today, Bruce Springsteen just canceled his show scheduled for Sunday in Greensboro, North Carolina, citing HB2 as the direct cause. “It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards,” he said.

And Paypal earlier this week announced it is canceling a $3.6 million expansion that would have created 400 new jobs. Red Ventures, a North Carolina based internet marketing company also announced it is reconsidering an expansion that would have added 500 jobs. 

TV studio Lionsgate canceled shooting a new Hulu comedy in North Carolina, citing HB2. That’s 100 jobs that went to Canada, not the Tar Heel State.

The list goes on and on.

“We have not taken away any rights that have currently existed in any city in North Carolina,” Gov. McCrory claimed, defending HB2. That’s false. He’s claimed HB2 is just good “common sense.” Voters in November will get to decide.