The British Government has announced it is to open a trade office in the US State of North Carolina, despite the state’s anti-LGBT laws.
CREDIT: Foreign and Commonwealth Office / FLICKR/ CC
The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) is looking to open an office in Raleigh, North Carolina, despite the state’s notorious anti-LGBT laws.
The State which enacted HB2, a bill which bans LGBT+ right ordinances, earlier in the year has seen businesses pull out of investment deals, and rock stars pulling out of gigs.
The UK’s own Foreign and Commonwealth office issued a warning to LGBT travellers in April.
The newly appointed DIT, headed by Doctor Liam Fox said,
“I am pleased to announce today that the UK government plans to open 3 new offices right here in the United States, in Minneapolis, Raleigh and San Diego.
“Our ambitious vision for an open and outward-looking UK economy includes growing our footprint in the most important markets around the world and these 3 cities offer exciting opportunities to boost trade and investment.”
HB2 Bans LGBT Rights
HB2 bans LGBT+ right ordinances in North Carolina.
In March, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed a law which would allow business owners to discriminate against LGBT people on the grounds of religious belief. The law also requires trans people to use the public toilet that aligns with the gender that is on their birth certificate.
The department’s new leader, Dr Fox, had his past voting record on LGBT issues uncovered during the Conservative leadership battle after David Cameron resigned as Prime Minister following the EU referendum vote.
The MP for North Somerset has voted against every piece of legislation that equalised LGBT rights in the UK.
Dr Fox was unsuccessful in his bid to become Prime Minister.
What Is HB2?
Business Over Rights?
THEGAYUK reached out to the DIT about why North Carolina was chosen even when the FOC warned LGBT travellers about visiting the state, a Department for International Trade spokesperson said,
“These locations were chosen because of their potential for UK trade and investment given their economic productivity and well-established research and development institutions and establishing a presence in these cities will help us to increase our reach across the United States to the benefit of British businesses.”
