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.
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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."