With a new year upon us, we have the opportunity to make Charlotte – and all of North Carolina – a more welcoming, inclusive, and safe place for all.
It's time to rebuild from the harm caused over the past five years, ever since House Bill 2 (HB2), the so-called "bathroom bill," was signed into law targeting LGBTQ people – and especially transgender people. Its "compromise" repeal came in the form of HB142, a new law that doubled down on some of HB2's most restrictive discriminatory measures, including prohibiting municipalities from passing LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances.
In December, a key provision of that law expired. Cities like Charlotte are now free to pass laws that protect our LGBTQ residents. In just the past few weeks we've seen exciting momentum, with six different nondiscrimination ordinances passed, including in Durham, Greensboro, and Chapel Hill. It's time for Charlotte to join them. Let's establish concrete protections, signal that we are open for business and make clear that we value and respect each and every person who calls the Queen City home.
