Carolina Hurricanes respond to discriminatory transgender bill

Ron Francis (Gerry Broome/AP)

The Carolina Hurricanes released a statement Friday in response to a controversial bill signed by Pat McCrory, the governor of North Carolina.

“The Carolina Hurricanes and PNC Arena are devoted to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all fans. We stand against all forms of discrimination,” reads the club statement.

On Wednesday, McCrory, a Republican, signed a bill blocking cities from allowing transgender individuals to use public bathrooms for the gender they identify as.

House Bill 2, the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, installs a statewide policy that bans individuals from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to their biological sex.

The bill has enraged civil liberties groups and Democrats in North Carolina.

Patrick Burke, co-founder of the You Can Play Project and director of NHL Player Safety, applauded the Hurricanes’ statement on Twitter.

The Hurricanes’ statement followed this one released by the National Basketball Association Thursday evening. The NBA hinted that the discriminatory law could impact its ability to host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte.

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