North Carolina's anti-LGBTQ law is drawing a big backlash from businesses

North Carolina's controversial new law bans nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people and stops transgender people in schools and government buildings from using the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.

But it's having another effect: It's potentially damaging the state's economy.

Several celebrities and organizations across the US have condemned the law since it passed last week. Some have said they will boycott or otherwise reduce their business in the state.

This is potentially a big deal. Threats from major businesses swayed Arizona and Georgia's governors to veto religious freedom laws that were perceived as anti-LGBTQ. Similar widespread threats of boycotts forced Indiana to amend its religious freedom law to clarify that it does not allow discrimination.

The same threats may force similar action in North Carolina. Gov. Pat McCrory, for one, released a video defending the anti-LGBTQ law on Tuesday, suggesting the backlash is getting his attention.

But the threats keep coming. Here's a collection of some of the individuals and groups taking action and speaking out against North Carolina's statute.

Some companies threatened to boycott North Carolina

A+E Networks told Variety: "Production on 'Six' is already under way, however we will not consider North Carolina for any new productions."

21st Century Fox told Variety: "On behalf of our creative partners and colleagues who made commitments to shoot in North Carolina prior to this bill being signed, we join the growing coalition of businesses that hope to see this act repealed. In addition, we will reconsider future filming commitments in North Carolina if the Act is not repealed."

More than 100 CEOs from big companies, including Apple, Facebook, and PayPal, called for the state to repeal the law

The CEOs signed a letter condemning the law, addressed to McCrory and published by the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ rights organization:

We are disappointed in your decision to sign this discriminatory legislation into law. The business community, by and large, has consistently communicated to lawmakers at every level that such laws are bad for our employees and bad for business. This is not a direction in which states move when they are seeking to provide successful, thriving hubs for business and economic development. We believe that HB 2 will make it far more challenging for businesses across the state to recruit and retain the nation’s best and brightest workers and attract the most talented students from across the country. It will also diminish the state’s draw as a destination for tourism, new businesses, and economic activity.

Several companies, celebrities, and politicians also condemned the law on social media

High Point Market, which organizes furniture trade shows, warned of the economic loss resulting from the law

Here is part of High Point Market's official press release:

Based on the reaction in just the last few days, hundreds and perhaps thousands of our customers will not attend Market this April. …

According to an economic impact study conducted by Duke University in 2013, the High Point Market is the largest economic event in the State of North Carolina each year. The Market has an annual economic impact of $5.38 billion and generates over 600,000 visitor days to the state each year. The Market and the home furnishings industry in North Carolina are responsible for over 37,000 jobs in our great state.

Some cities and states have restricted public employees' official travel to North Carolina

Here is New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who restricted official state government travel to North Carolina:

From Stonewall to marriage equality, our state has been a beacon of hope and equality for the LGBT community, and we will not stand idly by as misguided legislation replicates the discrimination of the past. As long as there is a law in North Carolina that creates the grounds for discrimination against LGBT people, I am barring non-essential state travel to that state.

Here is Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, who also restricted official state government travel to North Carolina:

When we see discrimination and injustice, we have to act. This law is not just wrong, it poses a public safety risk to Connecticut residents traveling through North Carolina. That's why I have signed an executive order banning state-funded travel to the state. This law endangers the welfare not just of North Carolina's citizens, but of all people visiting that state. Nearly two decades ago, Connecticut was among the first states to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination law concerning sexual orientation, and three years ago I proudly signed a law adding gender identity and expression to those statutes. We need to do what we can to stand up and act against laws that encourage — as a matter of public policy — discrimination and endangerment of our citizenry. It's unacceptable, and Connecticut is acting.

Here is Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, who banned official state government travel to North Carolina:

The law passed in North Carolina is an absolute disgrace. Vermont has a proud tradition of protecting the rights of LGBT individuals. I'm making this decision in that tradition. I'm proud to join with New York in taking this action. I hope other states will join us in applying pressure on North Carolina to recognize common sense, common decency, and common humanity and repeal this law.

New York, Connecticut, and Vermont aren't the only governments to act. Washington state, New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago have, as well. And it looks like this may be only the beginning.

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