American Airlines Fears Political Retribution Over Opposition to Anti-LGBT Law HB2

Airline Giant on ‘High Alert,” Concerned North Carolina Republicans Will Change Tax Code to Penalize LGBT Supporters

After coming out early in opposition to controversial North Carolina law HB2, which among other anti-LGBT provisions prevents transgender individuals from using restrooms corresponding with their gender identity, American Airlines now fears political retribution from state lawmakers.

According to a report from The Charlotte Observer, the airline is on “high alert” that state officials may target lucrative tax breaks on jet fuel, which save the airline millions each year.

“There has been increasing speculation recently that such a repeal would be attempted,” Dana Fenton, a lobbyist for the airline, said in an email sent to Charlotte City Council members and other local officials. Fenton says many in the North Carolina General Assembly “connect such an amendment with the airline’s high profile call for repeal of House Bill 2.” 

In the wake of North Carolina Republican Governor Pat McCrory’s signing of the bill, American Airlines was among the first to denounce the discriminatory measure. “We believe no individual should be discriminated against because of gender identity or sexual orientation,” airline spokesman Ross Feinstein said in a statement at the time. “Laws that allow such discrimination go against our fundamental belief of equality and are bad for the economies of the states in which they are enacted.”

RELATED: Companies That Oppose HB2 Now Being Targeted for Retribution by North Carolina GOP Lawmakers

American Airlines employs about 11,000 people in its Charlotte hub, and according to a report from the Charleston Chamber of Commerce generates $5.5 billion annually in economic activity. On March 10, the airline agreed to a 10-year extension of their lease with the city.

The North Carolina General Assembly is currently working on passing the state budget, and so far no amendment repealing the jet fuel tax exemption has materialized. The budget is not yet final, however, and lawmakers still have time to introduce an amendment to repeal should they choose to punish AA for its commitment to transgender civil rights.

Last week several top lobbyists complained Republican lawmakers were targeting them for retribution after the companies they represent voiced opposition to HB2. 

 

EARLIER:

A North Carolina Democrat Just Tried to Introduce a Bill to Repeal HB2. Here’s What Happened.

The Media Is Lying About Why North Carolina Is Being Sued

Emails, Texts Shed New Light on How Inept State Officials Were in Responding to Flood of HB2 Critics

 

Image by Thomas Hawk via Flickr and a CC license