The North Carolina General Assembly is calling a special session to take up legislation that would attempt to override Charlotte's non-discrimination ordinance. Legislators will convene on Wednesday to address the issue.
The city's ordinance was designed to define how businesses treat gay, lesbian and transgender customers.
But some lawmakers are focusing on a provision that allows transgender people to use restrooms that align with their gender identity.
Legislative leaders announced Monday night the decision to reconvene a little over a week before the ordinance is implemented April 1. They say three-fifths of the House and Senate members made the necessary written requests for the House speaker and lieutenant governor to call them back.
Social conservatives and many Republican lawmakers say Charlotte went too far with the ordinance. They say sexual predators will use it as pretense to enter women's bathrooms.
Gay-rights groups want the ordinance preserved, saying it provides dignity and protection to transgender people often subject to intimidation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.