Evangelist Franklin Graham says he's "outraged" by the Atlantic Coast Conference's decision to yank championship games from North Carolina because of its law barring transgender people from using bathrooms in accordance with their gender identities.

And the influential son of legendary preacher Billy Graham labelled the ACC's move a case of "profound hypocrisy."

His fiery comments were made in a letter to ACC Commissioner John Swofford after the organization said it would move 10 college sports championships from North Carolina to protest the restriction of rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The ACC's move on Wednesday came two days after the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced it would relocate seven championship sporting events — pullouts that will cost the state tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue.

In the letter obtained by The Charlotte Observer, Graham asked Swofford not to turn student-athletes into "political pawns." He accused the ACC, NCAA and other groups boycotting North Carolina of "profound hypocrisy" for "making calculated business decisions disguised as moral outrage."

Graham noted that Dr. Pepper, a sponsor of the ACC football championship, sells its products in countries where gays are prosecuted.

On his Facebook page, Graham said asked state residents to support North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and state legislators who are "are coming under extreme pressure about the NC HB2 law which protects our women and children in bathrooms, dressing rooms, and locker rooms.

"Our state is being bullied by the NCAA, the ACC, and some of corporate America who are influenced by LGBT activists. Women across this state — do you really want men in your restrooms? Mothers and grandmothers — do you want men going into the locker rooms and dressing rooms with your daughters and granddaughters? What about you, dads and grandfathers?"

Graham added: "This isn't only an important issue of privacy and safety, this is a moral issue. Sexually perverted people want to come into the most private and sensitive area that we have as human beings — the restroom. You are shepherds of the flock. Shepherds protect, speak out, and defend."

House Bill 2, signed by McCrory, overturned the Charlotte City' Councils non-discrimination ordinance allowing people to choose the bathroom or locker room of their gender they identify with instead of what sex they were born.

The Justice Department is suing North Carolina over HB2 law, calling it a violation of the federal Civil Rights Act.