59 Companies That Spoke Out Against Anti-Trans Bathroom Bills in 2016 Now Mute on Texas Version

Corporate Activism Falls Silent: 59 Companies that Fought Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill in 2016 Remain Mum on Texas Version In a stark contrast to their vocal opposition in 2016, 59 major companies that signed an amicus brief denouncing North Carolina's bathroom bill have remained eerily silent on the Texas Legislature's passage of its own version of the law. The financial implications of this silence are significant, with estimates suggesting that the Texas bill could cost the state up to $3.7 billion in lost revenue and 9,000 jobs. Company Background and Context The amicus brief, signed by companies such as Apple, Yelp, American Airlines, and Nike, was a response to North Carolina's House Bill 2 (HB2), which prohibited transgender individuals from using public restrooms aligned with their gender identity. The bill sparked widespread condemnation from the business community, with many companies threatening to boycott or cancel plans to expand into the state. In 2016, PayPal canceled its planned expansion into North Carolina, citing HB2 as a major factor in its decision. The NCAA also pulled its seven tournaments from the state, resulting in an estimated loss of $250 million in revenue for local businesses. The amicus brief was seen as a key moment in the business community's opposition to discriminatory legislation. Market Implications and Reactions The Texas bill, Senate Bill 6 (SB6), is widely regarded as even more restrictive than HB2. While it has been hailed by some as a victory for conservative values, many experts predict that it will have severe economic consequences for the state. A study by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs estimates that SB6 could cost Texas up to $3.7 billion in lost revenue and 9,000 jobs. The silence from the original signatories on the amicus brief has been met with disappointment from many in the business community. "It's a missed opportunity for companies to take a stand against discriminatory legislation," said Rachel Tiven, Executive Director of the LGBTQ advocacy group, Lambda Legal. "Their silence sends a message that they are willing to sacrifice their values and reputation for short-term financial gains." Stakeholder Perspectives When contacted by The Intercept, 59 of the original signatories on the amicus brief failed to respond or issue statements condemning SB6. However, Affirm, one of the few companies to speak out against the bill, released a statement expressing its opposition to SB6 and reaffirming its commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ employees. "We believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity," said an Affirm spokesperson. "We will continue to advocate for policies that promote equality and inclusion." Future Outlook and Next Steps As the Texas Legislature continues to grapple with the implications of SB6, many are left wondering what the future holds for corporate activism on LGBTQ+ issues. While some companies have spoken out against the bill, others remain silent. "It's a complex issue," said Dr. Laura E. Gomez, Professor of Law and Society at UCLA. "Companies need to balance their financial interests with their values and reputation. But in this case, it seems that many are choosing to prioritize profits over people." As the business community continues to navigate the complexities of corporate activism, one thing is clear: the silence from 59 major companies on SB6 has significant implications for stakeholders and the broader market. Key Numbers $3.7 billion: Estimated loss in revenue for Texas due to SB6 9,000: Estimated number of jobs lost due to SB6 68: Number of companies that signed the amicus brief against HB2 59: Number of companies that failed to respond or issue statements condemning SB6 *Financial data compiled from Theintercept reporting.*