NORTH CAROLINA: GOP Senate Intro’s Bill That Would Repeal HB2 But Block New Local LGBT Rights Laws

The Associated Press reports:

Perhaps North Carolina’s most influential politician is introducing legislation to repeal a state law that has cost the state jobs and millions of dollars.

State Senate leader Phil Berger is the primary sponsor of legislation filed Wednesday that would repeal the law passed in March dictating which bathroom transgender people must use and limiting LGBT protections.

The bill adds a wrinkle: It would block local governments from passing ordinances regulating employment practices or public accommodations related to restrooms, showers or changing facilities for six months.

Republican lawmakers say they passed the law only after Charlotte expanded nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations. Charlotte’s City Council on Monday and again Wednesday voted to eliminate the ordinance.