President Obama joined a chorus of critics calling for the repeal of controversial legislation seen as anti-LGBT on Friday, saying that laws that have been passed in Mississippi and North Carolina “are wrong.”
The remarks came partly in response to a travel advisory issued by the U.K. Foreign Minister’s office that warned “LGBT travelers may be affected by legislation” recently enacted in the two states. In Mississippi, Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed a measure earlier this month that prevents government agencies from taking action against state employees, individuals, organizations and private associations that deny services based on religious objections — usually interpreted to mean religious objections to same-sex marriage. In the Tar Heel State, meanwhile, Republican Gov. Pat McCrory signed a bill last month that nullified all local nondiscrimination protections for LGBT North Carolinians and banned transgender people from using government building restrooms in line with their gender identities.
Obama told reporters during a joint press conference with U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron in London that British people need not be afraid to travel to the two states in question.
“The people of North Carolina and Mississippi are wonderful people,” he said. “They are hospitable people. They are beautiful states. And you are welcome.”
However, Obama said, “the laws that have been passed there are wrong and should be overturned.”








