“If we are going to be a 21st century city, state, country, then we’ve got to accept people, and include people, and embrace people, of all shapes and colors, of all origins, of all sexual orientation,” she said.
Roberts said McCrory and N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, claimed they were going to repeal HB2 as a result of the negative backlash from the nation.
“What we found out later was that it was not a sincere offer,” she said. “That both Tim Moore and Governor McCrory were both quoted on camera as saying that they never intended a full repeal, that they were going to take away part of it.”
Roberts said she is unsure which part or how much of the bill they claimed they were going to repeal.
She said everyone has seen a lot of bullying in the responses to the Charlotte ordinance and the controversy around HB2.
Abe Johns, president of the Lambda Law Students Association, said it is important to engage everyone in these conversations about LGBTQ equality.
“The only way that people understand that equality is necessary for a thriving state and state with great business and great opportunities is if we include everyone in those opportunities,” he said.
Johns said the Lambda Law Students Association had been planning the event since the summer, and he was glad about how it played out.
Warner said she agreed with the message of Roberts’ speech.
“Mayor Roberts’ speech was an uplifting tribute to why we all showed up today, of the need to keep working to protect LGBTQ rights,” she said. “It gave an insightful overview of how the Charlotte ordinance was passed and the rapid response by McCrory and the GA.”
@rebeccaayers234
state@dailytarheel.com
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