HB2: Gov. Cooper’s Proposal Could Fall Flat For Republicans

CHARLOTTE, NC — House Bill Two repeal deals keep coming.

Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper proposed what he calls a compromise bill.

“Now, the situation is urgent,” said Gov. Cooper.

Gov. Cooper’s newest proposal has three components: repeal HB2, impose harsher punishments for bathroom or locker room crimes and cities must notify legislature 30 days before adopting any anti-discrimination ordinance for input.

“There’s nothing in House Bill Two that makes bathrooms safer but this proposal does,” said Gov. Cooper. “If we don’t repeal House Bill Two now, the NCAA will disqualify our state from hosting championships for the next six years.”

133 venues are vying to host games during that period. NC Sports Association estimates that to have a $250 million economic impact.

In Charlotte, the CIAA announced it could leave after 2020. That could be a loss of nearly $58 million a year in economic impact.

“Trust me, the conversation is: is CIAA staying in Charlotte. I can’t guarantee anything,” CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams told Charlotte City Council.

Equality NC doesn’t support the compromise, pointing out Charlotte spent more than a year publicly adding LGBT protections to the non-discrimination ordinance. The group only supports repeal.

“In order to save events and to save our reputation for companies that want to move here, we’ve got to act quickly,” said Matt Hirschy.
Supporters of HB2, Keep NC Safe, is also unhappy with the latest proposal.

“Increasing criminal penalties will not keep men out of the bathrooms,” said Tami Fitzgerald. “No sports game is important enough to compromise the privacy or safety of just one little girl.”

House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate Leader Phil Berger have the power to bring a vote to the floor.

“I don’t see this as a compromise, I don’t see this as anything different than what he’s been saying all along. I don’t know how you could say that that’s something we could build on,” said Sen. Berger.

Gov. Cooper says he’s willing to negotiate further.

“We can’t let this law see it’s first birthday,” said Gov. Cooper.

Charlotte City Council repealed its LGBT protections to compromise in December, but Republicans did not follow through with a repeal promise.

Lawmakers have filed four repeal bills so far this session.