It has come to my attention that many of our North Carolina State Republican legislators locked arms with the Democrats and Gov. Cooper against the protection of women and children in our state. Nearing the end of the legislative short session, they are trying to sneak in a quick vote to overturn commonsense protection and privacy for the innocent, which will also lead to the obliteration of rights for those who want to live out their faith in their vocations.
Yesterday, a new bill, HB 186, was filed as the House compromise to back down on HB 2. In actuality, this “compromise” will be dangerous not only for the protection of women and children, but also for religious liberty in North Carolina.
We do NOT support this bill. It is NOT in the interest of the people of North Carolina.
There are so many areas for concern within this bill. Using the wise insight of our friend and affiliate Tami Fitzgerald, Executive Director for NC Values Coalition, who has unpacked this bill’s intent, she explains that there are four grave problem areas. Although difficult to condense the issues, I have addressed a few at the end of this e-alert, while trying not to diminish other issues contained within the bill.
It is imperative that you take action right now. This may be voted on as early as today or Monday in the House. I will be sure to let you know as soon as the vote takes place. Until then, please continue to forward this e-alert on to friends, family, pastors, etc., and encourage them to act and pray. We ask that you contact your legislator and tell them to OPPOSE HB 186, and NOT to cave to political correctness!
Take Action Immediately: Know that just one phone call to a state legislator represents 100 voices. One state representative explained that when he receives just six calls, he takes note!
- Please contact House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland County) at 919-733-3451 then follow up with an e-mail at Moore@ncleg.net. Be sure to let him know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of North Carolina.
- Please contact your representative and tell him/her to vote “NO” on HB 186. Click here to find out who your representative is and how to contact them. Contact them via phone first and then follow up with an e-mail. Be sure to let him/her know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of North Carolina.
- Sign the petition from NC Values Coalition here.
Please pray fervently! Pray for each legislator before you contact him or her. May the Lord give our leadership the wisdom and courage to do what it right.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58: “So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
- Galatians 5:1 “Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be alert. Be firm in the Christian faith. Be courageous and strong”
Our concerns with HB 186:
- With regard to bathrooms –- Cities would be free to regulate multiple occupancy bathrooms, showers, and changing facilities that “are owned or under direct control of a city” resulting in some becoming “gender neutral” and exposing citizens to violations of privacy and dignity while increasing their risk of sexual assault.
- Categories receiving Elevated Status — This bill would expand nondiscrimination laws for employment and public accommodations to include citizenship, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, and disability (which are not listed in the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964). The word “biological” has been deleted under HB2’s “biological sex.” This could open up our law for bad interpretation by a rogue court.
- Employment Law — Cities would have the right to regulate employment laws within each city resulting in inconsistency from city to city adding a huge hurdle for businesses who conduct their business in multiple locations. Cities could add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected classes whereby business owners would be subject to frivolous lawsuits and crippling fines if they do not comply. Cities could raise minimum wages without approval from the General Assembly regulating non-uniformity laws for business owners who could be threatened yet again with frivolous lawsuits.
- Public Accommodations — Local governments would be allowed to pass public accommodation laws that would include new categories for “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to introduce SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) laws which would allow discrimination for religious liberty laws we have seen in other states against people of faith.
Imagine this: Charlotte with its very liberal city council, as well as other city councils across the state, could set public policy for all of North Carolina, moving the ball forward for LGBT groups. Our community colleges and universities could drive the SOGI laws paving the path for LGBT groups, while bullying those against it.
Thank you for your prompt attention, calls and prayers.
For Truth, Righteousness and Liberty,
Jill Coward
State Director
CWA of North Carolina
director@northcarolina.cwfa.org
nc.cwfa.org