Politicians in North Carolina are meeting especially to put a stop to LGBT protections
Politicians in the US state of North Carolina have decided to return to work early rather than allow a LGBT nondiscrimination law take effect.
Members of the NC Legislature returned to work today, rather than wait until their next session in late April.
The local law in Charlotte, would protect transgender people who use a bathroom appropriate to their gender identity.
But the General Assembly met today to consider putting a stop to the legislation.
The Assembly is also expected to decide whether to prevent other local authorities from passing similar measures to protect LGBT people.
According to reports, the Assembly is responding to “concerns” from constituents over the issue of trans people using gender-appropriate bathrooms.
The law is set to take effect on 1 April, so the Assembly decided to meet before it does.
The Legislature, which is Republican-controlled, is deciding whether to pass a law which would require educational bodies to ban people from using bathrooms quite correspond to anything other than their sex at birth.
It also prohibits local authorities like Charlotte from passing their own laws to protect the rights of LGBT people.
The one-day special session takes place today.
North Carolina has been criticised by LGBT rights groups for moving hastily to try to end the protections.
The legislation would have to go to Governor Pat McCrory’s desk to be signed.
The Charlotte City Council last month passed a bill that among other things, will allow people to use bathrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities based on their gender identity.
The measure – which passed 7-4 – will also offer greater protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
