In London President Suggests Anti-LGBT Laws ‘Are Not Necessarily Reflective of a National Consensus’
President Barack Obama Friday said anti-LGBT laws enacted in North Carolina and Mississippi should be overturned.Â
“I want everybody here in the United Kingdom to know that the people in North Carolina and Mississippi are wonderful people, they are hospitable people, they are beautiful states and you are welcome. You should come and enjoy yourselves. I think you’ll be treated with extraordinary hospitality,” the President said at a joint press conference in London with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron.Â
“I also think that the laws that have been passed there are wrong and should be overturned and they’re in response to politics in part and some strong emotions that are generated by people, some of whom are good people but I just disagree with,” the President said, referring to North Carolina’s HB2 and Mississippi’s HB 1523, both wide-sweeping anti-LGBT laws.
Talking Points Memo notes the “British government recently released a travel warning to citizens about North Carolina’s controversial ‘bathroom’ law targeting transgender people and Mississippi’s legislation that will allow businesses to deny service to members of the LGBT community.”
The President said, “I respect their different viewpoints,” but added, “I think it’s very important not to send signals that anybody’s treated differently.”
Watch:
Â
EARLIER:
Breaking: NBA Commissioner Says Change in Anti-LGBT Law ‘Necessary’ for All-Star Game to Stay in NC
WATCH: No Repeal of HB2 Vows North Carolina GOP Senate Majority Leader
Chamber of Commerce Head Reveals Largest Single Loss Yet Over HB2: 1000 Jobs Expansion Nixed
Â
Image: Screenshot via CNBC/Twitter
Hat tip: Talking Points Memo
Â