Activists upset over HB2 compromise

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte transgender activists said they're outraged the city pulled its non-discrimination ordinance after a months long battle to keep it.

Paige Dula said she worked with city leaders to put protections in place and now feels they've turned their backs on her community.

"It's been a roller coaster, this year," said Dula.

The year started with a victory LGBT activists.

In February, city leaders passed an ordinance adding protections for the community.

Then in March, the governor signed HB2, shutting down the city's new law.

Monday, Dula was blind-sided when the city pulled it's ordinance in a compromise without consulting transgender activists.

"I feel those people in city council we worked so hard for, they turned their backs on us and it really hurts," Dula said.

She said it's another step backward. For months she's collected stories on the impact HB2 is having on transgender people.

"More people have been harassed for using the bathroom for being openly trans," she said.

That's why she wanted city leaders to stand their ground.

If the city's ordinance were left in place, the community relations committee would have investigated those claims. But HB2 wiped out the city's ability to enforce non-discrimination policies.

"To have someone come to me and say I'm a legitimate victim of discrimination and I need your help and for me to say I'm not in the position to help you is not a good feeling," community relations director Willie Ratchford said.

While the compromise means that HB2 and the non-discrimination ordinance could be repealed, Dula is still worried because she doesn't know what to expect in their places.

"I've heard from several sources they are going to work on putting in another NDO in 2017. What we don't know is what that will look like," said Dula.

Eyewitness News asked council members if they plan on introducing another non-discrimination ordinance in 2017.

Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield said her first priority is making sure the general assembly repeals HB2 in a special session starting Wednesday.

Cox Media Group