Outgoing NC Gov. Pat McCrory Considers Rescinding ‘Bathroom Bill’

Outgoing North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says he will consider rescinding the controversial transgender bathroom bill HB2.

McCrory says he will call the General Assembly together to discuss rescinding HB2, the so-called “bathroom bill” because the Charlotte LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance which sparked controversy and led to HB2 being passed, was itself rescinded.

The Charlotte ordinance said that LGBT individuals could use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity, and did not have to use the bathroom corresponding to their biological gender.

Many, including McCrory, firmly opposed this ordinance and believed it would provide an inroad for sexual predators.

However, now that the Charlotte ordinance has been repealed, Gov. McCrory, who was not re-elected, stated, "Now that the Charlotte ordinance has finally been repealed, the expectation of privacy in our showers, bathrooms and locker rooms is restored and protected under previous state law. I have always publicly advocated a repeal of the overreaching Charlotte ordinance. But those efforts were blocked by [Charlotte Mayor] Jennifer Roberts, Roy Cooper and other Democratic activists."

Incoming North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also affirmed that HB2 should be repealed.

"Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore assured me that as a result of Charlotte's vote, a special session will be called for Tuesday to repeal HB2 in full," Cooper said in a statement. "I hope they will keep their word to me and, with the help of Democrats in the legislature, HB2 will be repealed in full. Full repeal will help to bring jobs, sports and entertainment events back and will provide the opportunity for strong LGBT protections in our state."

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: December 20, 2016