Royce Willmschen: Viral message about HB2

Gov. Pat McCrory continues to insist that opposition to HB2 comes from “out-of-state special interests, the corporate elite and the national media,” but I have good evidence of strong, grassroots opposition.

Recently, while serving the state as a juror, I took my lunch break at an old, well-known downtown restaurant.

On my way out, I notice a sign posted on the window. An excerpt: “Subject of which bathroom to use ... First, if you are worried about a/your child ... go with that child, as any responsible parent should. If male, born male, feels better being female, lives life as a female, that person should use a female restroom. ... Here at (old, well-known, downtown restaurant), go the bathroom where you feel best :) ... If you don’t pay the mortgage, don’t tell us what to do. This coming from a small business owner :).”

I posted a photo of the sign on Facebook, without comment, expecting a few responses. As of the writing, it’s been shared over 7,400 times. There was no coordination or coercion – no corporations, no elite.

McCrory and the NCGA are simply wrong if they think opposition to HB2 is small or distant or short-lived.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Royce Willmschen: Viral message about HB2."