Package includes the first-ever bill in North Carolina to protect LGBTQ minors from ‘conversion therapy’ and coincides with launch of Born Perfect NC coalition
RALEIGH – In a monumental display of support for LGBTQ people in North Carolina, state legislators today introduced three separate bills that would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people living in every corner of the Tar Heel State.
Today’s historic package includes the Mental Health Protection Act, which would protect LGBTQ minors and disabled adults from the dangerous, debunked, and discriminatory practice of ‘conversion therapy,’ which is used legally in North Carolina by state-licensed mental health professionals to try to change young people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This life-saving legislation, introduced today for the first time in North Carolina, is supported by Born Perfect NC, a grassroots statewide campaign from Equality North Carolina and the Campaign for Southern Equality that is backed by a coalition of clergy, mental health organizations, faith groups, child welfare advocates and civil rights organizations.
The package also includes a full repeal of House Bill 142, the discriminatory bill that passed in 2017 purporting to repeal HB2, which provoked international outrage in 2016 because of its brazen efforts to bar transgender people from participating in public life. HB142 merely replaced the discriminatory measures in HB2 for similar anti-LGBTQ policies, including a moratorium on municipalities from passing LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination protections and a permanent ban on local governments from passing policies protecting transgender people in restrooms.
Finally, the package includes the Equality for All Act, the most comprehensive nondiscrimination bill ever introduced in the state of North Carolina. The bill would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, education, credit, and insurance.
“This is a monumental day for LGBTQ North Carolinians and their loved ones throughout every corner of this state,” said Kendra R. Johnson, Executive Director of Equality North Carolina. “We have the opportunity to protect the youth of North Carolina, secure full protections under the eyes of the law and dissolve HB 142. This historic slate of legislation is a collective effort towards making life more equitable and safe for queer North Carolinians who deserve the basic dignity of living, loving and growing without the fear of prejudice or violence. Together, we can build a state that enables LGBTQ folks from all walks of life to prosper and show the world that North Carolina truly is a beautiful place to be queer.”
“As a survivor of the abusive practice of conversion therapy, the introduction of the Mental Health Protection Act, in support of LGBTQ youth provides clear evidence that change is coming to the South,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “Working toward the passage of this legislation is a priority to all of us at The Trevor Project as we work to protect youth in every state across the country. We look forward to supporting the efforts of the amazing collation of organizations, lawmakers, and advocates working tirelessly to protect the youth of North Carolina.”
“North Carolina is changing, as is the entire South, because of the courage and resilience of LGBTQ people and those who love and support us,” said Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality. “Just a few years ago, North Carolina was the epicenter of anti-LGBTQ legislation. But we never stopped organizing, voting, having kitchen table conversations, and lifting up a vision of what’s possible when North Carolina comes together around our core values of hope, dignity, and fairness for all. Today’s historic show of support from North Carolina lawmakers marks an important milestone in the journey to full equality. We won’t stop until we get there.”
Equality NC and Campaign for Southern Equality are proud to support this crucial package of legislation as we collectively work toward building a safer, more inclusive and equitable North Carolina for all.
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Equality NC is dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians. www.equalitync.org
Based in Asheville, NC, the Campaign for Southern Equality works for full LGBTQ equality across the South. Our work is rooted in commitments to equity in race, gender and class. www.southernequality.org
Born Perfect NC is the campaign to protect young people across North Carolina from “conversion therapy” and send the message that LGBTQ youth should feel safe, supported, and affirmed. www.bornperfectnc.org
