North Carolina government and university officials have until Monday to tell federal attorneys they won't enforce a new law limiting which public bathrooms transgender people can use.

Gov. Pat McCrory said Sunday that the state will respond by that deadline. McCrory told Fox News he asked the U.S. Justice Department for more time but was denied.

The Justice Department last week wrote McCrory and University of North Carolina leaders saying the law approved in March violates the federal Civil Rights Act. The lawyers want them to explain how they will not enforce or implement the law known as House Bill 2. Justice Department lawyers warn a lawsuit is possible to stop the law.

The law has been criticized by gay rights groups, corporate executives and entertainers who demand its repeal.

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