The law spawned national outrage and boycotts that were expected to cost the state billions in lost business. The measure specifically allowed transgender people to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity as opposed to their sex assigned at birth.Ī few weeks later, after conservative backlash, the North Carolina General Assembly held a special session to pass House Bill 2, also known as the 'bathroom bill.' The law blocked Charlotte's measure, and also blocked cities from passing their own nondiscrimination ordinances. The move marks a major turning point in the state: Five years ago, in February 2016, Charlotte passed a similar ordinance expanding its existing nondiscrimination protections to include LGBTQ people.
