ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced they are filing an Amicus Brief to challenge North Carolina’s discriminatory anti-transgender law.

According to the governor’s office, New York and Washington are leading a coalition of 10 states and the District of Columbia in challenging the discriminatory North Carolina law that limits the ability of cities and localities to protect the rights of transgender and non-gender conforming people.

The coalition and two other states have filed a second court brief against Texas’ challenge to the federal guidance allowing transgender students to sue facilities that go along with their gender identity.

“The kind of divisiveness and discrimination encouraged by this law directly undermine the core values of this nation,” Governor Cuomo said. “Just as in New York, this country’s strength is found in our diversity and inclusiveness. At a time when so many are seeking to create rifts that separate Americans from one another, it is our responsibility to fight back and do all we can to bring this nation closer together.”

In March, Gov. Cuomo signed an executive order banning non-essential state travel to North Carolina.

New York is joined by nine other states in the brief including: Washington, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

This coalition was also joined by New Hampshire and Delaware in filing a second friend-of-the-court brief.