HB2 Change Under Microscope After NBA Push
CHARLOTTE, NC — Lawmakers appear to be working to take back parts of House Bill Two to keep next year’s All-Star Game in Charlotte. It’s a six page draft bill, no lawmakers have claimed it. They haven’t formally introduced into the House of Representatives for vote.
Critics in the LGBT community call it a non-fix.
“This is something to try and pacify the NBA,” said LGBT Chamber President Melissa Morris.
Lawmakers against it call it a gamble.
“Legislative leadership and the Governor are playing Russian roulette with the NBA All-Star game,” said Rep. Chris Sgro.
It’s a draft of legislation that was supposed to be a compromise after sources say the league and Hornets Owner Michael Jordan pushed for change and the NBA threatened to pull the All-Star game and events from Charlotte. The league says House Bill Two does not align with their discrimination policies because it bans transgender people from using bathrooms that match their gender identity.
“This might be a band aid until federal court has a chance to rule,” said legal analyst Mathew Flatow. “Which most people suspect will be to strike down House Bill Two.”
Flatow says this draft keeps transgender residents in the bathroom that matches the gender on their birth certificate.
It allows the records office to provide ID cards to residents who’ve undergone sexual reassignment surgery if their state won’t provide a new birth certificate.
It increases punishment for bathroom assaults.
It does reinstate everyone’s right to sue for workplace discrimination.
Rep. Chris Sgro is the Executive Director of Equality NC. He represents District 58 which is Guilford County. He says he will vote no if the bill makes it to the house floor.
“I am confident that the proposed changes that do almost nothing that we read today are not going to be enough to keep sporting events, to bring back business,” said Rep. Sgro. “I’m sad about that. My anger is focused more toward leadership that wont let us take a vote on whether or not to repeal this.”
The Charlotte LGBT Chamber is pressuring speaker tim moore to bring a repeal vote to the house floor before Thursday and asking the NBA not to support the so-called compromise.
“Hopefully, the NBA will see through it and realize that there’s more that has to be done to protect people,” said Morris.
WCCB Charlotte left several messages to City Council members and the Charlotte Chamber President. Some support a compromise to stop businesses from leaving Charlotte.
No one responded.
Speaker Tim Moore supported House Bill Two. He wrote a statement saying in part that he remains committed to making sure our citizens have the right to expect privacy in bathrooms and showers.
