Advisory board to Raleigh City Council: oppose HB2

A group of residents appointed to advise Raleigh leaders on human rights issues wants the City Council to formally oppose HB2, the controversial new state law that affects transgender people and other groups.

Raleigh’s Human Relations Commission, composed of 10 residents that the council appointed, on Thursday drafted a city resolution that asks the General Assembly to repeal HB2. The commission then voted 5-4 to send the draft to the council for consideration, with most dissenters saying they supported the idea of a resolution but wanted more time to review it.

“I just think this General Assembly has gone after people’s personal lives when there is no abuse, so I feel strongly that a (resolution) like this that is well thought-out wouldn’t offend anyone,” said commission member Gail McDonald.

HB2 prevents transgender people from using the bathroom meant for the gender with which they identify and prevents local governments from adopting their own laws that punish discrimination. Supporters say the law protects women and children from potential abuse, while opponents say it’s insensitive and discriminatory.

Some local governments, like the city of Durham, have taken strong stances opposing HB2 but others have remained silent.

Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane last month issued a statement affirming the city’s support for the transgender community. While the statement mentioned HB2, it didn’t specifically state the city’s position on it.

Members of the Human Relations Commission on Thursday said city leaders should take a stronger stance because the new law likely affects an anti-discrimination ordinance they crafted and the City Council passed in 2014. The ordinance prohibits the city government and companies it contracts with from discriminating against anyone based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

“I appreciated what the mayor said. But she spoke as herself, not the city, to reassure businesses ... and welcome visitors,” said commission member Dave Parnell, who wrote the draft resolution.

Parnell said his friends have asked him why Raleigh hasn’t passed a resolution asking the General Assembly to repeal the law, like some other North Carolina cities have. He said some are considering moving to other states.

“It’s divisive. It’s hurtful. It’s hurting our economy,” Parnell said. “I think it’s an urgent kind of thing. ... I don’t know that the City Council is ever going to do it on their own unless we propel it to them.”

Commission members were unclear if or when the resolution will go before the council.

Michael Leach, the commission chair, says it remains unclear whether the group can draft a resolution and send it to the City Council if the council hasn’t asked for it.

“I’m awaiting answers,” Leach said.

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 7:48 PM with the headline "Advisory board to Raleigh City Council: oppose HB2."