The Justice Department Just Told North Carolina Their Anti-Gay Bill Violates the Civil Rights Act

In March, North Carolina passed House Bill 2, better known as the “Bathroom Bill.” In addition to requiring everyone in the state to identify as the biological sex on their birth certificate when using a public restroom, the bill effectively overturned “every local LGBT anti-discrimination measure in the state.” Within days, large-scale boycotts of the state began—many of which had immediate economic effects. And now, less than two months later, the US Justice Department has decided to slide in, wag their fingers, and say, “Not so fast, ya bigots!”

On Wednesday—the very same day Beyoncé protested HB2 by wearing this shirt—the department sent a letter informing state officials that HB2 violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 0f 1964, and that they would have “until Monday to address the situation ‘by confirming that [North Carolina] will not comply with or implement HB2.’”

Reports The Charlotte Observer:

If that determination is upheld, North Carolina could lose millions in federal school funding. During the current school year, state public schools received $861 million in federal funding.

In other words, the Justice Department just rolled up to North Carolina in the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, ripped the masks off all their legislators, and revealed them to be whimpering, transphobic babies. “And we would’ve gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for you meddling feds,” screeched the babies. Or, no, maybe that’s a terrible metaphor. Disregard that.

The point is, the bigots are losing, and LGBT citizens of North Carolina have a reason to celebrate tonight.

Image via AP