Lawsuit challenges NC law

Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C.

Gay- and transgender-rights supporters wasted little time in challenging a new North Carolina law, filing a lawsuit Monday that called it discriminatory and said it singles out LGBT people for “disfavored treatment.”

The law, which also has drawn strong opposition from major corporations, was signed last week by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory. He has resolutely stood behind the law and later Monday blamed the outcry on a “well-coordinated campaign” trying to stain the state’s reputation.

The bill-signing came after the GOP-controlled legislature completed a one-day special session in response to a broad Charlotte ordinance that allowed transgender people to use the restroom aligned with their gender identity. The new state law prevents cities and counties from extending protections to cover sexual orientation and gender identity at restaurants, hotels and stores.

Legal experts said the lawsuit contained some similarities to a 1996 U.S. Supreme Court case striking down Colorado’s constitutional amendment barring regulations protecting the rights of gays, lesbians and bisexuals.