Seattle mayor bans city employee travel to North Carolina

Seattle’s mayor has banned city employee travel to North Carolina after a law was signed last week there preventing all cities and counties from passing anti-discrimination rules.

Mayor Ed Murray signed the executive order Monday, saying he’s committed to signing additional orders should any other state follow North Carolina.

The new North Carolina law deals a blow to the LGBT movement after success with protections in cities across the country. The state’s Republican-controlled General Assembly took action after Charlotte city leaders approved a broad anti-discrimination measure. Critics focused on language in the ordinance that allowed transgender people to use the restroom aligned with their gender identity.

Republicans and their allies have said intervening is necessary to protect the safety of women and children from “radical” action by Charlotte.