North Carolina Gov. Proposes Compromise For HB2 Repeal

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has offered a new proposal to repeal the controversial HB2 "bathroom" bill.

Cooper's common-sense proposal would kill HB2 while taking steps to address Republican concerns around bathroom safety. In justifying the bill, lawmakers focused on the fact that allowing people to use the bathroom of their choice based on their gender would put women and children at risk in bathrooms.

As part of the repeal proposal, Cooper introduced the following propositions:

• 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," Cooper said in a statement. "It’s time for Republican leaders to step up and lead their members because February needs to be the month we get this done.”

A proposed repeal of the bill failed during a special session in December. The special session was called after Charlotte, the state's largest city, repealed its LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance that HB2 essentially voided.

Republican lawmakers, who control the state house, said the city's repeal of its ordinance was not enough for it to fully repeal HB2.

Because of the bill, companies, sporting institutions and performers have distanced themselves from the state, refusing to hold events in the state or bring their business there till the law is repealed. The bill was also seen as a factor for Republican Gov. Pat McCrory's unsuccessful reelection bid.

Marc Torrence contributed to this report.

Image via @RoyCooperNC