Hundreds gather at the Capitol in support of HB2

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — House Bill 2 continues to make headlines and today hundreds gathered at the State Capitol in support of the controversial law.

“This is not a matter of discriminating against gays or transexuals. This is about protecting innocent women, children from sexual predators,” said Miriam Chu, a supporter of HB2.

Religious leaders, community leaders and citizens gathered to support Governor McCrory and the law.

“We support him not to back down, not to let people bully him. We’ve been bullied long enough as Christians,” said Joann Burke who supports the law.

Some at today’s rally said Charlotte’s attempt to pass a bathroom bill was unnecessary and made House Bill 2 necessary.

“Transgendered individuals have been using the restroom facilities of their preferred gender for decades and decades and it’s never hurt anybody and nobody’s ever said anything. Then they come out with this crazy law, it’s just an invitation to sexual predators to take advantage of the situation,” said Chu.

Several speakers today say this bill protects everyone, including members of the LGBT community. But a counter protest across the street said that is just not true.

“I don’t believe that for a second. It’s pretty much just trying to sugarcoat the bill,” said Preston Mackey Carlo who opposes the law.

Opponents said this bill is highly discriminatory and not only against members of the LGBT community but other minority groups including women and veterans.