McCrory, Cooper clash over LGBT rights law

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory and Attorney General Roy Cooper are differentiating themselves in their gubernatorial campaign over a law McCrory signed limiting LGBT anti-discrimination protections in the state.

McCrory told a debate crowd Friday in Charlotte it was right for the state to approve House Bill 2, which requires transgender people to use the bathroom aligned with their biological sex. He said the federal government is overreaching by directing policies that demand transgender people be allowed to use restrooms and locker rooms aligned with their gender identity.

Cooper accused McCrory of blaming everyone but himself for the law he signed in March, which has led to national criticism and some businesses declining to invest in the state. Cooper says the law must be repealed to stop the bleeding and so North Carolina can move forward economically.

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