Pointing to a lack of LGBT protections in other states doesn’t mean much unless those states have also recently rolled back rights or at least re-affirmed that lack.
The people who protest these things believe there should be more protection for LGBT people, not less. Furthermore, the truth is that the law is regressive. Many larger municipalities pass those protections before their states do (Chicago did, as did several local governments in NC) so even in a state without them, many people who live there may still be covered by them. There are not 29 other states that lack state-wide protections and prevent their counties, towns and cities from passing them as well. But even neglecting the portion about not being able to sue in state court ( only one other state has that, but McCrory has asked the legislature to roll it back) the statement flies in the face of honesty. North Carolina didn’t before HB 2 either. It is a fact that 29 other states do not have state-wide anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 29 states have similar level of anti-discrimination law as NC #ncpol choosing to attack NC to protest political differences. The media plays right into this by referring to it as a “bathroom bill.” It’s often in quotes, even when the story is about someone discussing the law who didn’t use that terminology at all. In particular with HB 2, proponents concentrate almost entirely on Part 1, the restroom portion, neglecting the other two very significant parts, about public accommodations and employment. (The governor did try to clarify that with his executive order, and even the Washington Post initially reported that as if it were a change it wasn’t.)īut the rest of the misinformation and confusion is on the other side. There is probably one area some people protesting didn’t (and perhaps still don’t) understand about HB 2 in particular: that the restroom portion applies only to truly public facilities: those belonging to a public school, college or other government entity. getting involved in things they clearly don’t know anything about.