LAURINBURG — A legitimate repeal of HB2, or a band-aid with the potential of falling off sooner than later?

The newly approved bill of compromise, HB 142, repeals HB2, however, it protects privacy in bathrooms and shower facilities by leaving regulation of multi-occupancy facilities to the state, returning to the status quo prior to passage of Charlotte’s bathroom ordinance.

The bill also implements a temporary moratorium on local ordinances similar to Charlotte’s until Dec. 1, 2020, to allow federal litigation to play out.

“I’m deeply disappointed with the compromise that in essence repealed HB2 and then replaced it — with itself,” said Nancy Barrineau, a member of the Scotland County Democratic Women. “I’d say we look about the same — no better, no worse.”

All three legislators representing Scotland County, Democrats Rep. Garland Pierce and Rep. Ken Goodman, and Republican Sen. Tom McInnis, voted for HB2 and again voted for HB 142 last week.

McInnis, who represents the 25th district, said the legislation will allow the state to strengthen the current penalties relating to illegal entry in restrooms.

“This bill makes certain that men are not allowed in women’s restrooms nor are young men allowed in girls dressing or locker rooms and it makes sure there are criminal penalties for any man who enters the women’s and girls’ facilities,” McInnis said.

Deadline

Coincidentally, the deadline for HB 142 fell near the deadline for the bidding to host NCAA tournaments through 2022, which North Carolina was banned from until HB2 was repealed.

“Of course the NCAA drove the compromise; to claim the date was coincidental is ridiculous and disingenuous. My hope is that the NCAA itself, as well as businesses and entertainers, will recognize it as a smokescreen that continues to deny human rights protections to a large class of NC citizens,” Barrineau said.

Mark Schenck, Scotland County Republican Party chairman, expressed concerned with organizations and businesses trying to bully the state.

“So with this massive wad of money NCAA as well as ACC have become unchallenged bullies that prey on those that would sell their constituents moral rights for a few pieces of bold,” Schenck said. “The problem is not so much HB2 but the real problem appears to be that we permit an extortionist bully, fueled by the millions of dollars from the liberal media get their way without being legally challenged.”

State leaders have faced considerable economic pressure, because companies and organizations that opposed the law withdrew events from the state and called off job-expansion plans. HB2 was expected to cost the state more than $3.76 billion in lost business over a dozen years, according to an Associated Press analysis.

“We had to do something,” Pierce said. “You have to look at not only the LGBTQ community but also the poor folks who are hurting because businesses aren’t coming to the state.”

The Wagram Democrat said it was better to vote for something and get the conversation going, rather than staying stagnate by voting against HB 142.

But the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, the president of the North Carolina NAACP has called the legislation “anti-worker, anti-access to the courts, and anti-LGBTQ.”

“It is shameful for Tim Moore and Phil Berger to demand a discriminatory compromise on a bill that should have never been passed in the first place,” Barber said in a statement provided by the Scotland County branch of the NAACP.

Herman Tyson, president of the local branch said the Scotland group supports Barber’s assertion that the action sets a moratorium on local governments ability to pass anti-discrimination ordinances and to regulate private employment practices

“This is a bait and switch,” Barber said. “We fought against this tactic when this same legislature sought to strip power from the governor—disregarding their constitutional obligations in an effort to silence the voice of the voters. Above all, any moratorium on civil rights is not a compromise, it is a contradiction with the principle of equal protection under the law and our moral values.”

McInnis said women have right to be protected under the law too.

“As a husband, father, and grandfather, I can accept this as a proactive piece of legislation that is the best way to protect the members of our families. ”

Nolan Gilmour | Laurinburg Exchange A bathroom on the grounds of the John Blue House. The newly approved HB 142, repeals HB2, however, it protects privacy in bathrooms and shower facilities by leaving regulation of multi-occupancy facilities to the state.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_IMG_0667.jpgNolan Gilmour | Laurinburg Exchange A bathroom on the grounds of the John Blue House. The newly approved HB 142, repeals HB2, however, it protects privacy in bathrooms and shower facilities by leaving regulation of multi-occupancy facilities to the state.
Issue continues to divide the county’s leaders

By Nolan Gilmour

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