North Carolina Sues US Government Over Controversial Transgender Law

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has filed a lawsuit against the US government on Monday in response to the Department of Justice’s ultimatum on the state’s law that requires people to use the bathroom of the gender they were assigned at birth.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Friday, the Justice Department said the law is a violation of US federal civil rights protections, and gave McCrory until close of business on Monday to "remedy" the situation or face the loss of billions of dollars in federal funding.

"This is now a national issue that applies to every state and needs to be resolved at the federal level," McCrory said in a statement. "They are now telling every government agency and every company that employs more than 15 people that men should be allowed to use a women's locker room, restroom or shower facility."

McCrory had said over the weekend he would likely file the lawsuit, calling the Justice Department’s deadline unrealistic. He further accused President Barack Obama’s administration of trying to bully him.

On Monday, McCrory said he filed the lawsuit to ensure the state will continue to receive US federal funding until the issue is resolved the courts.

The law has provoked backlash since it was passed in March. Some companies have cancelled plans to expand their businesses to North Carolina, and other US states have barred their employees from traveling to the state.