Two transgender people, a law school professor and civil liberties groups have filed a lawsuit challenging House Bill 2. The measure limits local governments from passing their own anti-discrimination rules. The suit was filed in federal court Monday morning.
The lawsuit challenges a new North Carolina law that put a stop to Charlotte's anti-discrimination rules. It also directs where transgender people must use the bathroom.
The plaintiffs say the measure specifically singles out LGBT residents and that it violates equal rights protections.
Joaquin Carcano says the litigation is much more than using the men's restroom. He spoke at a Raleigh news conference Monday. Carcano says the litigation is about upholding the dignity, respect and value of transgender people.
Carcano is an employee at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which also must comply with the new law that directs where transgender people can use the bathroom.
Another plaintiff is North Carolina Central University professor Angela Gilmore, who lives with her wife in Durham. Gilmore says the law makes them feel less welcome in North Carolina.
The lawsuit also criticizes the General Assembly for their arguments that Charlotte's ordinance had to be overturned in order to protect women and children.
Some major orporations have criticized House Bill 2, but Governor Pat McCrory and allies defend it as providing uniform rules across the state.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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