Democrats renew call for North Carolina to pass LGBT package

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina Democratic lawmakers introduced a string of bills on Tuesday to provide greater protections for LGBTQ residents.

Advocacy groups and state lawmakers are pushing for a full repeal of House Bill 2.

They also want to eliminate a legal defense allowing perpetrators of crimes to blame a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity for their violent reaction.

Equality North Carolina and the Campaign for Southern Equality backed both pieces of legislation during a virtual news conference.

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature hasn’t previously shown much interest in advancing such proposals.