newsworthy: hb2 controversy
Six weeks ago, I wrote a story for this newspaper about transgender rights. The day we went to press, the news broke that Charlotte had just passed legislation protecting LGBT people to use any bathroom they wished, regardless of the gender assigned at birth.
I was overjoyed. As a liberal teenager who fundamentally believes in equal rights for all, I was proud of the fact that drastic changes and precedents were being set in my state, paving the way for gender and sexual equality to become an accepted way of life.
However, a lot can change in a few short weeks. Backlash from the Charlotte ordinance caused our state legislature and conservative governor to discreetly pass and sign into effect House Bill 2 (HB2) that prohibits banning discrimination towards the LGBT population, imposes state control over local governments, and forbids litigation in state courts over discrimination.
I am ashamed to live in a state that is sanctioning blatant discrimination stemming from fear-mongering and ignorance. Cries of bigotry and legalized hate have swirled about the nation, placing North Carolina under a spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
When I wrote my article about transgender needs at Roberson, I received only positive feedback. Teachers, students, and community members alike were appreciative and understanding of the changes underway, and the underlying current of progress could be heard in the comments of praise, gratitude, and relief that people were paying attention to the challenges they face.
But with each step forward, sometimes it seems we are taking two steps back. Haven’t we learned the lessons of history involving civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, and marriage equality rulings that all people deserve equal protections, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity? Every person, regardless of who they are or who they love should be supported, not humiliated and degraded.
Since HB2 was passed on March 23, companies across the nation are expressing contempt of the bill, including Bank of America, American Airlines, Wells Fargo, Facebook, Apple, and the NCAA. These, along with numerous other businesses, are threatening to remove their business from the state, which could have tremendous economic effects.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Last week, Georgia attempted to pass similar legislation, but Governor Nathan Deal vetoed the discriminatory bill. People stood up and cheered for the victory of common sense over hatred, and I cheered right alongside the rest.
It makes me sad that North Carolina is being portrayed as bigoted and intolerant; it makes me even sadder that it will take economic threats and national ridicule to point out what should be glaringly obvious -- the need for human decency. Wouldn’t it be nice if North Carolina was known not only for its beauty and culture, but also for its tolerance?
I was overjoyed. As a liberal teenager who fundamentally believes in equal rights for all, I was proud of the fact that drastic changes and precedents were being set in my state, paving the way for gender and sexual equality to become an accepted way of life.
However, a lot can change in a few short weeks. Backlash from the Charlotte ordinance caused our state legislature and conservative governor to discreetly pass and sign into effect House Bill 2 (HB2) that prohibits banning discrimination towards the LGBT population, imposes state control over local governments, and forbids litigation in state courts over discrimination.
I am ashamed to live in a state that is sanctioning blatant discrimination stemming from fear-mongering and ignorance. Cries of bigotry and legalized hate have swirled about the nation, placing North Carolina under a spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
When I wrote my article about transgender needs at Roberson, I received only positive feedback. Teachers, students, and community members alike were appreciative and understanding of the changes underway, and the underlying current of progress could be heard in the comments of praise, gratitude, and relief that people were paying attention to the challenges they face.
But with each step forward, sometimes it seems we are taking two steps back. Haven’t we learned the lessons of history involving civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, and marriage equality rulings that all people deserve equal protections, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity? Every person, regardless of who they are or who they love should be supported, not humiliated and degraded.
Since HB2 was passed on March 23, companies across the nation are expressing contempt of the bill, including Bank of America, American Airlines, Wells Fargo, Facebook, Apple, and the NCAA. These, along with numerous other businesses, are threatening to remove their business from the state, which could have tremendous economic effects.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Last week, Georgia attempted to pass similar legislation, but Governor Nathan Deal vetoed the discriminatory bill. People stood up and cheered for the victory of common sense over hatred, and I cheered right alongside the rest.
It makes me sad that North Carolina is being portrayed as bigoted and intolerant; it makes me even sadder that it will take economic threats and national ridicule to point out what should be glaringly obvious -- the need for human decency. Wouldn’t it be nice if North Carolina was known not only for its beauty and culture, but also for its tolerance?