US Justice Department and North Carolina sue each other over LGBT bathroom law

North Carolina's controversial bathroom law has been heavily criticised. Credit: Reuters/Marti Maguire

The US Justice Department is suing North Carolina over the state's controversial bathroom law which restricts the use of public restrooms by transgender people.

The lawsuit came hours after North Carolina's governor Pat McCrory filed his own complaint against the Department of Justice in relation to the law.

McCrory said he wants a federal court to clarify the country's anti-discrimination legislation.

The US Justice Department had given North Carolina until Monday to reply to a letter demanding it abandon the policy, which the White House said "limits protections" for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The US government also called the law "mean-spirited" and "inconsistent with the values of fairness and equality and justice."

  • What is the bathroom law?

North Carolina’s bathroom law went into effect in March.

The new legislation bans people from using multiple occupancy restrooms or changing rooms in public buildings and schools that do not match the sex on their birth certificate.

Supporters say it offers protection for individuals who adhere to traditional views of marriage and gender roles, but critics claim it enforces discrimination and stigma against transgender people.

  • Negative reaction

Several high-profile stars have criticised the bathroom law and called it 'discriminatory' against the LGBT community.

Former Beatle Ringo Starr, Canadian singer Bryan Adams, and rock veteran Bruce Springsteen have cancelled concerts in the state because of the controversial legislation.

Leading firms including PayPal, American Airlines and Bank of America have also spoken out against the bill.

The federal government said it is also carrying out a review into whether agencies might cut funding to the state in response to the law.