They heard a number of speakers urge them to oppose the measure, which was set for a vote by the Charlotte City Council.
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The ordinance is slated to take effect in April, though Gov. Pat McCrory has suggested the General Assembly could take “immediate” action to nullify the local protections. “In fact, the City of Charlotte is causing more problems by trying to solve a problem that does not exist”.
“Also, this action of allowing a person with male anatomy, for example, to use a female restroom or locker room will most likely cause immediate State legislative intervention which I would support as governor”.
These deeply disturbing bills are surfacing around the country, in states with gender-identity inclusive non-discrimination laws, and those without; in states led by Democrats and those led by Republicans.
McCrory, a former mayor of Charlotte for 14 years, had said in an email that changing the policy on restrooms could “create major public safety issues”.
The issue has been part of a national debate that included the high-profile defeat of a nondiscrimination ordinance late past year by voters in Houston, and LGBT advocates anxious bathroom-access fears would be used elsewhere to fight equal-rights measures. According to a release accompanying the report, some bills seek to make it harder for trans people to access gender-affirming health care, others deny trans people access to bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic teams that align with their gender identity.
The city of Charlotte already has an anti-discrimination ordinance, however it does not forbid discrimination against gay, lesbian or transgender people.
Members of the public have begun expressing their opinions to the Charlotte City Council on a proposal that expands the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance.
The protesters held signs that said “No Men In Women’s Restrooms” and “Keep Kids Safe”.
Opponents of the proposed changes are planning a rally at 5 p.m. and expect almost a thousand people to participate.
More than 140 people are signed up to address the council.
Tonight, TurnOut! Charlotte, a partnership of the HRC, Equality North Carolina, and MeckPAC, hailed the leadership and vision of the Charlotte City Council for voting to advance city-wide non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in public accommodations, vehicles for hire, and in government contracting.
I encourage you to convince your colleagues to focus on issues most important to our citizens and this proposed change is not one of them.
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Democratic council member, Al Austin, said he wasn’t concerned by the Governor’s threats.
