UPDATING: NC GOP Stalling Repeal of HB2 – Now Meeting in Private as Speaker Puts Session in Recess
Stalling, Claims Session is Unconstitutional, No Bill Yet Filed
Governor Pat McCrory called North Carolina lawmakers to meet today in a special session for the sole purpose of repealing HB2, the wide-sweeping anti-LGBT law that many legal experts say is unconstitutional. But after being in session for less than an hour, the only business conducted in the House was to recognize special guests in the gallery, including an intern, to applaud lawmakers who are not returning to their seats in January, and to vote on the rules of the day.
Session started at 10. Recess until 10:20. A couple representatives tried to end the session altogether. Now recess until 11:45. #ncleg #HB2
— Zora Stephenson (@ZoraStephenson) December 21, 2016
That vote was taken as an opportunity by Republican Rep. Jeff Collins who claimed that – even though this was the fifth special session called in the past few weeks – this particular one is unconstitutional.
Ten Republicans voted against the rules, apparently in agreement with that sentiment.
The rules were passed and no bills were presented – the only one expected was legislation to repeal HB2.
Protesters rally outside NC House chamber in HB2 bathroom bill repeal special session lull. # cvs @CarolinaJournal pic.twitter.com/nbnEYAbxXf
— Dan Way (@danway_carolina) December 21, 2016
At 10:55 AM Speaker Tim Moore placed the House in recess until 11:45 AM. One Republican lawmaker called all of his fellow GOP representatives to a special, private meeting off the House floor.
Republicans may be trying to find a way to not enact the repeal of HB2.
The Executive Director National Center for Transgender Equality just offered this concern:
It is a mess. I don’t trust them. Who knows? https://t.co/0qfbOwlmoE
— Mara Keisling (@MaraKeisling) December 21, 2016
Stay tuned for more, and watch the session live here.
UPDATE:
At 11:49 AM, GOP lawmakers have not returned:Â
Full gallery awaiting return of the House. Are the votes there for HB2? Only the folks behind closed doors know pic.twitter.com/Tv5QERcchi
— CommonCauseNC (@CommonCauseNC) December 21, 2016
UPDATE II: 12:03 PM EST –
Update: Senate reconvened only to recess until 1:00. House still hasn’t reconvened its scheduled 11:45 session #HB2 #ncga #ncpol #lunch
— Nick Ochsner (@NickOchsnerWBTV) December 21, 2016
UPDATE III: 12: 17 PM EST –
House and Senate now in recess until 1 PM.
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