Governor Cooper Offers Common Sense Compromise for HB 2 Repeal | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    In a press conference today, Governor Roy Cooper was joined by Democratic Legislative leaders Representative Darren Jackson and Senator Dan Blue to offer a common sense compromise proposal to repeal House Bill 2.

    Governor Cooper's compromise would wipe House Bill 2 off the books while taking major steps to address all stated Republican concerns. The proposal includes:

• A full repeal of House Bill 2
• Tougher penalties for crimes committed in restrooms and dressing rooms
• A requirement that local governments give the legislature 30 days' notice before voting on non-discrimination ordinances

    "I know North Carolinians are tired of hearing about this. HB 2 has divided us and stained our reputation. I've proposed a common sense compromise that will get HB2 off the books and address concerns on both sides. It's time for Republican leaders to step up and lead their members because February needs to be the month we get this done," said Governor Cooper.

    "House Bill 2 is currently the biggest obstacle facing our economy and it must be repealed. Despite their supermajority, legislative Republicans have refused to offer a viable solution that will bring jobs and sporting events back to North Carolina. This proposal requires some compromise by Democrats - but it addresses every single one of legislative Republicans' reported concerns surrounding HB2 and we're willing to come together to get the job done," said Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue.

    "HB 2 has already cost our economy thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars. We now have a very short window to take action before the NCAA removes tournament games for six years. We must act. With this compromise, every single Republican justification for House Bill 2 will be addressed. It's time for Republican leaders to have the backbone to put our economy first and repeal this disastrous law," said House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson.

    A deal to repeal House Bill 2 failed in December when Republican leaders broke their pledge to offer a clean vote for repeal after the Charlotte City Council rescinded its non-discrimination ordinance.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov