RALEIGH, N.C. — Last week, Republican lawmakers introduced a so-called “compromise” bill they claim would repeal HB2 and end the NBA and NCAA boycotts of North Carolina. However, HB186 does not at all resemble a full repeal of HB2, which was a clear condition set by the NBA and NCAA for ending the boycott.
HB186 would leave parts of HB2 in place, banning cities from protecting the LGBT community in public facilities. It also introduces a burdensome referendum process for new local anti-discrimination ordinances, subjecting the rights of an oppressed minority to the tyranny of the majority.
In addition, the referendum process set up by HB186 would essentially create “mini-HB2” battles across the state, keeping North Carolina in the news and making the LGBT community a constant target for discrimination. It would also harm stability in local governments, which is bad for economic development.
“This so-called ‘compromise’ bill would do nothing to solve the problems created by HB2, and in fact would only create more problems for our state,” said Gerrick Brenner, executive director of Progress NC Action. “Subjecting civil rights to mob rule and creating mini-HB2 fights across North Carolina through the referendum process is a terrible strategy, and proves Speaker Moore and Senator Berger have no interest in a reasonable compromise to repeal HB2.”
Democratic lawmakers initially signed onto HB186 after receiving assurances that the referendum provision could be removed, but Republican leaders have since gone back on their word. In fact, Senator Berger has given no indication that the Senate would even consider the flawed HB186 bill to begin with.
“Once again, Speaker Moore is breaking his promise and showing he can’t be trusted in negotiations to repeal HB2,” added Brenner. “In December, Speaker Moore and Senator Berger promised to fully repeal HB2 if the Charlotte City Council repealed their ordinance, but then broke their word and refused to allow a clean vote on full repeal of HB2. The House certainly has the votes to pass a full repeal bill if Speaker Moore introduces one, but he would rather play political games and blame Democrats for his own failures as time runs out to repeal HB2 before North Carolina loses the chance to host NCAA tournaments for over half a decade.”
