raleigh n.c. thousands people flock north carolina capital monday show support disdain law thrust state international spotlight restrictions transgender bathroom access gay right lawmakers return raleigh begin short session design address state budget controversy new law draw reaction u.s. presidential candidates u.s. president barack obama british prime minister david cameron among others expect dominate measure put state center debate equality privacy religious freedom state propose legislation see discriminatory gay transgender people wake u.s. supreme court last year rule legalize same-sex marriage north carolina become first u.s. state require transgender people use restrooms public build school match sex birth certificate rather gender identity fifty-four people arrest legislative build protest law monday general assembly police officer scott cameron say state state crisis chris sgro executive director equality north carolina advocacy group say early day activists deliver petition republican governor pat mccrory office demand law repeal group democratic representatives file bill seek repeal lead republican lawmakers state show little willingness back greet rally monday thousands people come church bus hold sign thank measure business leaders entertainers politicians include obama republican presidential front-runner donald trump come law opponents contend demonize transgender people limit government protections discrimination gays lesbians supporters include social conservatives republican presidential candidate ted cruz say need protect women children sexual predators bathrooms monday singers demi lovato nick jonas join grow list entertainers cancel show state lovato write twitter jonas protest hateful law part backlash company associations relocate conventions halt job-creating investment project initially slat north carolina republican state representative paul stam criticize company include paypal hold pypl.o pull job north carolina measure offices countries homosexuals execute say hypocrisy oppose bill amaze battle n.c. transgender law intensify lawmakers reconvene