Top North Carolina LGBT Advocate Takes New Washington Job

A gay-rights advocate and former legislator who helped lead the fight against North Carolina's House Bill 2 is leaving Equality North Carolina and heading to Washington.

Equality North Carolina announced that Chris Sgro is stepping down this month as executive director to join the national advocacy group Human Rights Campaign as communications director.

Sgro was a leading voice opposing the law known as House Bill 2. The bill governed public restroom use by transgender people and limited other LGBT protections. It was replaced this year with a law that advocacy groups say remains problematic.

During Sgro's four years at the helm, Equality North Carolina expanded voter outreach and worked with religious leaders in urban and rural areas.

Sgro was also appointed to fill a vacancy in the North Carolina House last year.