“This negative impact isn’t speculative,” they continued. “We have watched it play out in North Carolina over the past month as they lost more than $500 million in investment and spending.”

The two chamber officials noted that “North Carolina’s experience serves as a stark cautionary tale on what is likely to occur in Oklahoma should these bills pass. North Carolina did not have the benefit of advanced knowledge of the severe economic damage that would result from their law. Fortunately, we do, and can judge from their experience the urgent need to stop now before moving forward.”

Neal and Williams said the two measures are a distraction from Oklahoma’s $1.3 billion budget hole.

“In the final week of session, the focus must remain on identifying and passing solutions that strengthen Oklahoma’s economy and provide a firm foundation to meet the core challenges in transportation, education, health care, and public safety that our state faces,” the letter says. “Considering SB 1619 and SCR 43 directly undermines those efforts and deepens the hole in which we currently find ourselves.”

Several members of LGBT- advocacy groups Oklahomans for Equality and Freedom Oklahoma were at the Capitol on Monday lobbying against the measure.