The renowned director of "A Few Good Men," "When Harry Met Sally" and "The Princess Bride," is vowing to never film in North Carolina again because of the Tar Heel State's new law that allows businesses and employers to discriminate based on sexual orientation.
And Rob Reiner says he's encouraging other Hollywood filmmakers to do the same.
"I've had the pleasure of traveling to North Carolina many times. It is a state filled with kind, good-hearted people who want nothing more but the best for their families, friends, and neighbors," Rob Reiner said in a Twitter posting by the
Human Rights Campaign.
"Unfortunately, Gov. Pat McCrory and Republican lawmakers have a different vision for North Carolina — one of hate, bigotry, and discrimination. Those aren't the values of the North Carolina I know, and they're not the values of this country.
"Until this hateful law is repealed and LGBT North Carolinians are treated with equal dignity they deserve, I will not film another production in North Carolina, and I encourage my colleagues in the entertainment industry to vow to do the same. Enough is enough."
The new legislation, which requires transgender people to use public restrooms that match the gender they were born, is causing a firestorm of criticism across the country.
Apple, which has an office in the state, and American Airlines, which operates a large hub in Charlotte, have expressed their displeasure.
And the NCAA — slated to hold tournament events in North Carolina over the next two years — said it will "continue to monitor current events, which include issues surrounding diversity, in all cities bidding on NCAA championships,"
The New York Times said.
A movie director boycott of North Carolina could be devastating to its economy. Among the smash films made there over the years are: "Dirty Dancing," "The Color Purple," "The Hunger Games" and "Iron Man 3."
Reiner — son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, is also an actor and won three Emmys for his role as "Meathead" in the CBS sitcom "All in the Family." He is a powerful figure in the entertainment industry who could have influence in getting others to steer clear of North Carolina.
The so-called "bathroom bill" came about after Charlotte passed a local ordinance last month that allowed transgender people to use public bathrooms in line with their gender identity.
The GOP-controlled state legislature balked and created a statewide piece of legislation that also prevents municipalities from passing their own anti-discrimination rules.
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