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.
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.
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:
Stay tuned for more, and watch the session live here.
UPDATE:
At 11:49 AM, GOP lawmakers have not returned:Â
UPDATE II: 12:03 PM EST –
UPDATE III: 12: 17 PM EST –
House and Senate now in recess until 1 PM.
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