NAACP calls for Gov. McCrory to repeal HB2 by April 21

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Amid protests on campus and businesses speaking out against the passage of House Bill 2, the NAACP is issuing a challenge to Gov. Pat McCrory. They're calling for the governor to repeal the law by April 21. The NAACP says they will begin a campaign of protests if he does not.

"We are organizing and planning now a campaign of mass sit-ins at the general assembly, calling on people of faith, people of conscience to join," said Rev. William Barber.

The movement is drawing support from some religious leaders, including bishop Tonya Rawls of Charlotte.

"I am here today because out state, Governor Pat McCrory, and general assembly has stripped the city that I love, the protections we extended to our citizens," she said.

Some supporters of the bill, including the governor, argued that Charlotte had no authority to approve a city ordinance allowing transgender people to use the restroom aligned to their gender identity.

Those who disagree, including Barber, say the move goes beyond just bathrooms.

"That's why we are pleading with the media, don't describe this as a bathroom bill," he said. "It's a hate bill full of racist and class-based and homophobic legislation."

Gov. McCrory has yet to respond to the NAACP's challenge.