Opponents of Charlotte ordinance call for special session

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — A group of parents, teenagers and businessmen is calling on Gov. Pat McCrory to immediately convene a special session of the General Assembly to address Charlotte’s new non-discrimination ordinance.

About two dozen people gathered at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Complex to urge McCrory to call the special session before the ordinance that says transgender people can use the restroom of their gender identity takes effect April 1.

Republican House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger have expressed opposition to the ordinance passed last month by Charlotte City Council.

Rep. Dan Bishop represents part of Charlotte and said work is under way on legislation to address the ordinance, which is designed to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at hotels, restaurants and other public accommodations.

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