Poll Suggests HB2 May Impact NC Political Races

A poll released this week suggests North Carolina's controversial House Bill 2 is hurting the state's reputation.

The Monmouth University poll found that more than half of those surveyed disapprove of HB2. And 70 percent thought the legislation gave North Carolina a bad reputation nationally.

Among other things, the wide-ranging law dictates what bathroom a transgender person must use.

Supporters say the law protects privacy rights for women and children, but critics say it's discriminatory. Lawsuits have been filed against the state. Several organizations, including the NBA, have canceled events or boycotted plans in North Carolina.

Gov. Pat McCrory signed the law back in March. According to the Monmouth poll, the legislation could be an issue in the November election. It shows McCrory polled nine points behind Democratic challenger Roy Cooper.

Monmouth University sampled 401 voters in the state. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percent.