North Carolina to repeal 'bathroom bill' as soon as Tuesday

North Carolina Gov.-elect Roy Cooper (D) called Monday for a special session of the state legislature, in order to repeal the controversial HB2 "bathroom bill" that dictates transgender individuals must use the restroom that corresponds to their biological sex. Cooper announced that he is planning to call the special session after striking a deal with the majority-Republican legislature to repeal HB2 in full, and that it could happen as soon as Tuesday.

His announcement followed a Charlotte City Council vote Monday to repeal the non-discrimination ordinance that led in part to the bill's initial passage nine months ago. Lawmakers said the ordinance "challenged social norms," The Associated Press reported. Since the law was passed, North Carolina has faced intense backlash as well as financial losses, as businesses and sports leagues have lodged economic boycotts against the city.

Outgoing Republican Gov. Pat McCrory also said Monday at the vote in Charlotte that he would hold a special session. "This sudden reversal with little notice after the gubernatorial election sadly proves this entire issue originated by the political left was all about politics and winning the governor’s race at the expense of Charlotte and our entire state," the outgoing governor's press secretary said in a statement.

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Cooper said that a full repeal would "help to bring jobs, sports, and entertainment events back and will provide the opportunity for strong LGBT protections in our state."