On Transgender Visibility Day, North Carolina Democrats reaffirm support for the transgender community through action. Yesterday, legislators introduced a series of bills that promote equality and extend protections to the LGBTQ+ community. The bills would extend nondiscrimination protections statewide, repeal HB2 and HB142, prohibit so called “conversion therapy,” and ban so-called “gay/trans panic” defense.”

NCDP Chair Bobbie Richardson, NCDP Transgender Political Caucus President Angela Bridgman, and LGBTQ+ Democrats of NC Auxiliary President Ginger Walker released a joint statement supporting the bills.

“North Carolina Democrats are proud to stand with the Transgender community and applaud Democratic lawmakers who are fighting to advance equality, justice, and inclusion in our state. In the face of relentless attacks, including right here in North Carolina, the Transgender community has shown a resilient and determined spirit that should inspire us all. Together, we will continue to fight for a state free of discrimination.”

These priorities stand in stark contrast with North Carolina Republicans, who garnered national attention for their attacks on the LGBTQ+ community five years ago with the passage of HB2. Now, they are targeting transgender youth with a bill that would ban them from participating in sports. NCDP’s Transgender Caucus and LGBTQ+ Democrats of North Carolina issued a joint statement condemning the bill.

Read more about the equality bills introduced this week in the North Carolina General Assembly. 

• NC Policy Watch: Democratic lawmakers file raft of LGBTQ equality bills

• WRAL: Five years later, Democratic lawmakers still fighting to erase HB2, promote LGBT rights

• AP: Democrats renew call for North Carolina to pass LGBT package

• News & Observer: Effort to protect assault victims from ‘panic defense’ is NC’s next LGBTQ rights push