AG Roy Cooper Won’t Defend HB2

Attorney General Roy Cooper says his office will not defend House Bill 2.

Several civil liberties groups filed a Federal lawsuit on Monday, saying the new law doesn’t protect the state’s LGBT community from discrimination.

The lawsuit named Cooper, as well as Governor Pat McCrory and the University of North Carolina.

Cooper, who is challenging McCrory to be the state’s next Governor, says he opposes House Bill 2 and wants it repealed.

“Obviously, the LGBT community is targeted. But also people who are discriminated against based on race and religion and other classes of people could likely have a harder time bringing actions to protect themselves.”

North Carolina State Senator Phil Berger tweeted a response to Cooper’s decision today.

The Republican said Cooper should resign, because he “won’t protect state law or protect children’s safety.”