The Passage Of North Carolina's HB2 Law Followed By A Series Of Lawsuits | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Passage Of North Carolina's HB2 Law Followed By A Series Of Lawsuits

4
The Passage Of North Carolina's HB2 Law Followed By A Series Of Lawsuits
pridelife.com

Passed this March, North Carolina's House Bill 2, more popularly known as "HB2" or the "Bathroom Bill," came under immediate opposition for being discriminatory. The new law requires that transgender people must use public facilities that correspond with the gender marked on their birth certificate. While the law claims to be a protective measure in order to prevent bathroom assaults by transgender individuals, it is next to impossible to find even a single incident of this occurring.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), lead by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, urged NC Governor Pat McCrory to disclaim the law by last Monday. Instead, Governor McCrory sued the DOJ, who promptly sued McCrory right back. McCrory asked for two weeks to consider the Justice Department's proposition. In response, the DOJ gave him one week to consider, as well as requiring him to make a public statement admitting that the law is discriminatory.

The public university system of North Carolina is caught between state and federal law and was originally threatened to lose funding over their compliance with the law. The university has long held policy against discrimination, which HB2 directly violates. Despite this, they continue to enforce the law. The Obama administration has since assured the state of North Carolina that, despite the fact that the President in no way supports the law, the entire state will not suffer any monetary consequences during the legal disputes.

The DOJ's civil lawsuit specifically cites Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which addresses employment, as well as Title IX, which refers to education and the Violence Against Women Act. This act was amended in 2013 to include other subjects, such as gender identity. The Bathroom Bill has been compared to this era's civil rights battle, along side same-sex relationship rights.

As defined by the American Psychological Association, sex refers to a person's biological status (male, female, intersex) where as gender means an individuals attitudes, feelings and behaviors that a culture aligns with a specific sex. With these two ideas do not intertwine, said person often identifies as transgender. Transgenders do not enter bathrooms seeking prey, but rather simply wish to use the facilities and move on with their lives. There is no benefit to this law and it is not a "solution" to any problem. Rather, it is a discriminatory act against transgender individuals appearing under the guise of good intentions that should be overturned.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17355
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7421
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5450
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4739
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments