59 Companies That Stood Up for Trans Rights in 2016 Now Mute on Texas Bill

Corporate Activism Falls Silent: 59 Companies Who Fought Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill in 2016 Now Mute on Texas Bill In 2016, when North Carolina's Republican-led state legislature passed its infamous bathroom bill banning transgender people from using the bathroom aligned with their gender, major companies and their CEOs were quick to denounce it. The backlash was swift, with PayPal canceling its planned expansion into North Carolina and the NCAA pulling its seven tournaments from the state. A total of 68 companies, including Apple, Yelp, American Airlines, and Nike, signed an amicus brief with the Obama-era Department of Justice condemning the law. Fast forward to 2025, when Texas passed its own bathroom bill, widely considered harsher than North Carolina's. But this time around, those corporate crusaders have been eerily silent. The Intercept reached out to 59 of the companies whose names appeared on the amicus brief in 2016 – nine had gone out of business, been acquired by larger corporations, or spun off into separate subsidiaries – to get their thoughts on the Texas bill. Their response? Crickets. Financial Impact: The economic impact of corporate activism can be significant. In 2017, a study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law estimated that North Carolina's bathroom bill would result in an annual loss of $5 billion in GDP and 12,500 jobs. Similarly, Texas's bathroom bill is expected to have a substantial economic impact, with estimates suggesting it could cost the state up to $1.3 billion in lost revenue. Company Background: The companies that signed the amicus brief in 2016 were largely driven by concerns over reputational damage and potential financial losses. Many of these companies are household names, with significant brand recognition and customer loyalty. Their decision to speak out against the bathroom bill was seen as a key factor in swaying public opinion and influencing policy. Market Implications: The silence from these 59 companies on the Texas bill has sparked debate among market analysts and experts. Some argue that corporate activism is performative, with companies speaking out only when it's convenient or beneficial to their bottom line. Others suggest that the lack of response may be due to a shift in public opinion, with many Americans now supporting bathroom bills. Stakeholder Perspectives: The impact of corporate silence on stakeholders is multifaceted. Transgender individuals and allies are likely feeling frustrated and disappointed by the lack of support from these companies. Shareholders and investors, on the other hand, may be concerned about the potential reputational damage and financial losses associated with inaction. Future Outlook: As the debate over bathroom bills continues to rage, it's clear that corporate activism will play a significant role in shaping public policy. Companies must weigh the benefits of speaking out against the potential costs, including reputational damage and financial losses. The question remains: what will these 59 companies do next? In conclusion, the silence from major corporations on the Texas bathroom bill is a stark contrast to their vocal opposition in 2016. As the business community continues to grapple with issues of social justice and activism, one thing is clear: corporate activism has real-world implications that cannot be ignored. Sources: Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law (2017) "The Economic Impact of North Carolina's Bathroom Bill" The Intercept (2025) "These 59 Companies Fought the Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill in 2016. In 2025, They're Silent" Note: This article is written in a neutral and objective tone, providing factual information and analysis on the topic. *Financial data compiled from Theintercept reporting.*