Did the HB2 Repeal Actually Repeal Anything?
posted by Misha Thomas | May 3, 2017 | In OpinionOn March 29 2017, newly elected Governor Roy Cooper along with other elected members came to what they considered a “compromise” for the repeal of the HB2 Bill. I myself cannot think of a better example to the phrase “money talks.”
The original HB2 bill requires citizens using government-owned, multiple-occupancy restrooms (including public schools) to use the facility associated with their biological sex. This is defined as being male or female as stated on their birth certificate.
In response to its signing, NCAA pulled seven events from the state in September for the 2016-2017 season, including men’s basketball tournament games from Greensboro in March. Sources from CNBC say the bill cost the state over $3.75 billion dollars in business.
With North Carolina suffering the blow of finances, Governor Roy Cooper signed the compromise bill March 30 to repeal elements of House Bill 2.
North Carolina Values Coalition executive director Tami Fitzgerald, said, “NCAA’s boycott of North Carolina achieved what it wanted-the repeal of HB2-proving that bullying works as long as you meet the demands of the bully.”
I agree, this bill has created mass boycotts and protest demanding that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) discrimination be removed from North Carolina laws.
The question, however is how successful was it?
According to the State Senate leader Phil Berger’s website, the compromise protects privacy in bathrooms and shower facilities by leaving regulation of multi-occupancy facilities to the state. Meaning this returns the original status quo to the prior Charlotte’s bathroom ordinance. The repeal also implements a temporary delay on local ordinances similar to Charlotte’s until December 1, 2020 to allow federal litigation.
Governor Roy Cooper says he is still working with LGBT advocacy groups, Equality NC and the Human Rights Campaign.
Cooper stated, according to ABC 11, “Last week’s compromise was an important step forward for our state. While more work remains to be done, it’s good news that the NCAA will be returning to North Carolina. We will continue our work with them to fight for statewide anti-discrimination protections for LGBT North Carolinians.”
It seems the Governor only did what necessary to restart funds for the state of North Carolina. Without a doubt the Governor’s motives and overall concern was rather conspicuous. Now with the Tar Heels as the new NCAA champions, who is to say what will become of the rest of North Carolina?
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