President Barack Obama on Friday said
that controversial laws in North Carolina and Mississippi that target
the LGBT community should be overturned.
Obama arrived in London Friday for a
three-day visit.
“I want everybody here in the United
Kingdom to know that people of North Carolina and Mississippi are
wonderful people, are hospitable people, they are beautiful states,
and you are welcome, and you should come and enjoy yourselves,” the
president is quoted as saying by the AP. “And I think you'll be
treated with extraordinary hospitality. I also think that the laws
that have been passed there are wrong, and should be overturned.
They're in response to politics in part, and part some strong
emotions that are generated by people. Some of whom are good people,
but I just disagree with when it comes to respecting the equal rights
of all people, regardless of sexual orientation. Whether they're
transgender, or gay or lesbian. And, although I respect their
different viewpoints, I think it's very important for us not to send
signals that anybody is treated differently.”
Last week, the United Kingdom warned
its citizens traveling to those states about possible discrimination.
Obama's comments come a day after
Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz weighed
in on North Carolina's law.
(Related: Donald
Trump supports Caitlyn Jenner's right to use the bathroom of her
choice.)