UPDATE: The Governor signed the terrible bill.

BREAKING (Stay tuned for updates): Equality Federation calls upon North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory to veto the extreme, anti-LGBTQ legislation that was passed in the General Assembly on Wednesday. HB2 is one of the most discriminatory pieces of legislation to emerge in the country this year. It would repeal Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance, prevent other towns from passing their own nondiscrimination ordinances, and prevent transgender people from being able to use the restroom that matches the gender they live every day.

Equality Federation calls upon Governor Pat McCrory to veto this dangerous legislation. Sign our petition here.

Ian Palmquist, Director of Leadership Programs, and North Carolina resident, said “I love this state and I stand with the majority of North Carolinians when I say that this discriminatory bill does not speak for us. We believe in fairness, freedom, and the ability of our cities and towns to govern themselves. In addition to putting our gay and transgender friends and family at risk of serious discrimination, the bill would be terrible for business and an embarrassment for our state.”

Next step: Governor must veto worst anti-LGBT bill in nation. #ncpol #ncga

(@equalitync) March 23, 2016

Chris Sgro, Executive Director of Federation member Equality North Carolina said, “Today’s vote at the North Carolina General Assembly represents politics at its worst. Senator Berger and Speaker Moore should be ashamed of misleading their members to vote for the worst anti-LGBT legislation in the nation, which is sweeping beyond comprehension. Protections for LGBT people against discrimination are common sense. This special session, where Berger and Moore rammed through hastily-crafted legislation was a farce of public policy. It is incumbent upon Governor McCrory to veto this bill immediately. Companies like Dow Chemical, Red Hat, and Biogen as well as the League of Municipalities, are saying this is the wrong thing to do. Governor – please do your job and protect us from this terrible overreach.”

As we call upon the Governor to veto this bill, Equality Federation will continue to work with Equality North Carolina, ACLU, HRC, Freedom for All Americans, and others to educate lawmakers and the public about the real lives of LGBT North Carolinians, and the importance of nondiscrimination protections for the safety and wellbeing of their families.