LGBT Group Critical Of Governor's HB2 Repeal Plan

A gay rights group is criticizing Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's new proposal to repeal House Bill 2, which limits LGBT protections.

Equality North Carolina Executive Director Chris Sgro told reporters Tuesday he doesn't support Cooper's HB2 repeal offer to GOP lawmakers. Sgro says parts of the legislation are a distraction to throwing out the law.

The governor's proposal includes increasing penalties for crimes committed in public restrooms. It also would force local governments to give state legislators 30 days of notice before considering ordinances covering sexual orientation and gender identity.

Sgro says Charlotte city leaders took over a year to weigh an anti-discrimination ordinance before they approved it. He also believes new penalties aren't needed because LGBT people are not a public safety risk.

Equality North Carolina was one of Cooper's strongest supporters in last year's race for governor.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.