CHARLOTTE NC – In a unanimous vote on Monday, Charlotte, North Carolina City Council passed a non-discrimination ordinance that establishes clear protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, natural hairstyle and more in key areas of life, including public spaces and private employment.
Speaking to reporters after the ordinance was passed, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said she was delighted that the city council voted for the best decision for the city.
“When you look at this council’s track record of having authentic debates about things that make a difference in this community, they’ve stepped up and done in every way, and I’m really grateful for that,” reported WCNC NBC 36 Charlotte.
In an email, Adam Polaski, director of communications for Asheville NC, headquartered for the Campaign for Southern Equality, an LGBTQ + advocacy group, said the unanimous – and bipartisan – adoption of a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ residents is a major turning point. since 2016 when the Council Non-Discrimination Ordinance was passed, causing the North Carolina General Assembly to pass HB2.
HB2 was the worst anti-LGBTQ law in the country at the time, specifically targeting transgender people. It was supposedly written to require people to use public toilets that match their gender of birth, though it also contains a variety of other anti-LGBTQ components.
The law sparked a wave of criticism from state legislators. And in addition to causing NC to lose its image, the bill cost the state an estimated $ 3.76 billion in economic activity as corporations, sports leagues, and entertainers shun NC after it was passed.
“Tonight is a win, not just for the LGBTQ community, but for all Charlotteans. We are only as strong as the least protected, and this expanded regulation marks a milestone towards equality in Queen City. We applaud the city council for their bipartisan collaboration in passing this comprehensive ordinance and honor the lawyers who have tirelessly sacrificed for this moment, “said Bethany Corrigan, executive director of Transcend Charlotte, in a statement.
It came that reaction from Rell Lowery, Community Outreach Director of Charlotte Black Pride, who said:
“Charlotte is the second most dangerous city in the country for transgender and non-gender specific people – especially black transgender women. With today’s vote, Charlotte City Council committed to making the city a safer place to live and work for LGBTQ people and people of color. It is an important and long overdue moment for the entire district that gives LGBTQ Charlotten the legal protection that we have always needed and deserved. “
Charlotte’s new law will make it illegal for people to be discriminated against based on things like their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or natural hairstyle. The new bill doesn’t regulate bathrooms, WCNC also reported
As part of the protection against discrimination, it will also extend to employment that applies to all employers in the City of Charlotte, including those with fewer than 15 employees.
The ordinance applies to employers of all sizes in the city of Charlotte. Existing state and state laws prohibit discrimination against protected classes by employers with 15 or more employees.
– City of Charlotte (@CLTgov) August 9, 2021
“During 2021, communities have come together to affirm that no one should be discriminated against – and tonight’s Charlotte vote will double that undeniable momentum for LGBTQ equality. The adoption of these safeguards, which include provisions for natural hair, sexual orientation, and gender identity, marks a major step forward toward racial and social justice, ”said Kendra R. Johnson, Executive Director, Equality NC. “Small towns, medium-sized towns, counties, and now the largest city in North Carolina have all taken steps to protect LGBTQ people and show that NC is ready for that protection nationwide.”
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