BREAKING: Charlotte Repeals LGBT Rights Ordinance, State Lawmakers To Repeal Hate Law Tomorrow

The vote was 10-0. Charlotte’s CBS affiliate reports:

The Charlotte City Council has voted to repeal its controversial non-discrimination ordinance, commonly known as the ‘bathroom’ ordinance. The ordinance was pushed through the council in early 2016, just months into Mayor Jennifer Roberts’ tenure, and required businesses to allow people to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity.

In response, Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly convened a one-day special session to pass its own legislation that rendered Charlotte’s ordinance null. The special session legislation, known as House Bill 2, required individuals to use the restroom corresponding to the gender listed on their birth certificate in public facilities. That law remains in effect, despite months of turmoil and controversy since its passage.

The Charlotte City Council met Monday morning where they voted to repeal the “bathroom” ordinance. It remains unclear whether the legislature would repeal HB2 in response to the city ordinance being repealed. The council’s repeal measure requires the legislature to repeal HB2 by December 31 or its ordinance would stand.

From the Charlotte Observer:



Following a surprise move by the Charlotte City Council, Gov.-elect Roy Cooper said Monday that Legislative leaders have promised him to call a special session Tuesday to repeal House Bill 2.

“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 HB 2 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 “I hope they will keep their word to me and with the help of Democrats in the legislature, HB2 will be repealed in full.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.” Cooper’s announcement followed the Charlotte City Council’s vote to rescind the LGBT ordinance that prompted House Bill 2. The council was meeting at a breakfast meeting called to discuss its legislative agenda.

Mayor Jennifer Roberts called it the first concrete opportunity to repeal HB2. The law, which limits LGBT rights, has been cited as the reason for millions in lost economic development and boycotts by the NCAA and others.