Ahead of Raleigh protest, Berger says no repeal of HB2
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Opponents of House Bill 2 are taking aim at Gov. Pat McCrory again with another protest outside of the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. The demonstration comes just hours after one of North Carolina's most powerful lawmakers indicated there won't be a repeal of the law.
Protesters plan to blow air horns to get their message across about the controversial law. Demonstrators used the same tactic outside the Mansion earlier this month.
As many came out Wednesday to protest, others are strongly pushing lawmakers to keep the law on the books.
The conservative base sent letters to lawmakers urging them to make a pledge and stand behind HB2. The groups NC Values Coalition, NC Family Policy Council, and the Christian Action League sent out the pledges.
By Wednesday afternoon, though, the groups withdrew their request for a pledge.
NC Family Policy Council said in a statement:
"The NC Values Coalition, Christian Action League of NC, and NC Family Policy Council have withdrawn the House Bill 2 pledge request sent to legislators yesterday. As a result, we have no further comment on this matter at this time."
Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said at a news conference Wednesday that he would listen to a proposal from McCrory seeking to allow people to use state law to sue over workplace discrimination. The session starts on Monday.
Berger is among those still vowing not to repeal HB2.
"I don't know that I would at any point be ready to say we are going to make any changes. I just don't see the need for it," Berger said.
Berger said he believes the law protects the vulnerable from sexual predators.
"There are several documented instances where men dressed up like women or used policies similar to Charlotte bathroom ordinance to gain access to women's bathrooms and changing rooms and spy on women and little girls," Berger said at a press conference Wednesday.
The legality of HB2 is being threatened right now on a federal level. The 4th Circuit sided Tuesday with a transgender Virginia teen who sued his school board for discrimination after he was banned from using the boy's bathroom.
Read More: McCrory says bathroom ruling brings new dynamic to law
"While the decision is troubling, it is not the last word on this issue. It's not even the last word on that case," said Berger.
Lawmakers will return to the job in less than a week. The last time they gathered at the General Assembly was for a special session.
In one day, the bill was swiftly drafted. McCrory signed it just hours later.
HB2, in part, bans local governments from adopting anti-discrimination rules. It is partially meant to keep transgender people from using the restroom with which they associate.
Hundreds of business are condemning HB2, and several artists have cancelled concerts in North Carolina in opposition.
Opponents say the law is discriminatory and ostracizes the LGBT community. One lawsuit against HB2 has already been filed.
Read More: Opponents call for HB2 emails, documents in Raleigh
"It's about bashing the LGBT community," said Progress NC Executive Director Gerrick Brenner. "Gov. Pat McCrory is learning something. Gov. McCrory is learning it's really hard to honestly defend bigotry. He can't honestly defend it."
