Monday night the Charlotte, North Carolina City Council failed to pass an amended LGBT non-discrimination ordinance that would not fully protect transgender people.
In a public hearing and vote that lasted well over five hours, Monday night the Charlotte City Council voted down an amended LGBT non-discrimination ordinance. The vote was 6-5. The original ordinance included protections for transgender people, including restroom protections. The amended ordinance, did not. The amendment that removed restroom protections, which LGBT activists opposed, passed 9-2.
The vast majority of public speakers – 117 had signed up to address the council members – spoke against the ordinance, and most of those wrapped their attacks in religious rhetoric. Christian bible quotes and references were shared countless times, as were claims that transgender people might sexually assault children in a public restroom if the ordinance passed.
The first speaker was Flip Benham, the pastor father of anti-gay activists David and Jason Benham. David Benham also spoke. The family had held a rally outside city hall against the equality ordinance. The Benhams became well-known after the plug was pulled on their proposed HGTV reality show for their anti-equality views.
Toward the end of the hearing, a transgender speaker fell and needed medical attention. QNotes editor Matt Comer, who was in attendance, posted the following tweet:
One speaker later called out Benham for his behavior:
Benham was also accused of harassing a transgender teen as she came out of the women’s restroom, whom he called a “pervert.”
As the council edged toward taking a vote, an amendment was added to remove protections surrounding restroom equality.Â
Charlotte Democratic Mayor Dan Clodfelter after all speakers had shared their feelings, applauded them for a civil hearing that was passionate but democratic.
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