NC transgender law ignites backlash

RALEIGH, N.C. — An economic backlash broadened Tuesday against a North Carolina law that critics say discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, with PayPal announcing it has canceled a major expansion in the state.

North Carolina has come under heavy criticism since Gov. Pat McCrory signed the law, requiring transgen- der people to use public bathrooms that match the sex on their birth certificates.

The law also excludes sexual orientation and gender identity from the state’s anti-discrimination law and bars local governments from expanding anti-discrimination rules.

More than 100 corporate leaders have decried the law, saying it is unfair and makes it more difficult to attract talent.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday championed federal steps to deter a corporate financial practice known as “tax inversions” and called on Congress to close the loophole “for good.”

Obama called it “one of the most insidious tax loopholes out there” because it shortchanges the country. He said less tax revenue means the government can’t fully spend on schools, transportation networks and other things to keep the economy strong. He said the practice also hurts middle-class Americans because “that lost revenue has to be made up somewhere.”

He commented one day after the Treasury Department announced a series of steps to make inversions less financially appealing.’