North Carolina Governor signs bill overturning state's controversial bathroom law

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a bill that repeals the state's law which requires individuals to use public restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to the sex indicated on their birth certificates.

The legislation repealing the controversial law known as HB2 was passed by the state House on Thursday by a vote of 32–16. The Senate approved it by a 70–48 vote, and it was signed by the governor that same day.

Under the repeal known as HB142, city governments will not be allowed to pass discrimination laws for sexual orientation until December 2020. It also defers regulation of multiple occupancy restrooms, showers, or changing facilities to the General Assembly, which is controlled by Republicans, World Magazine reported.

Both Democrats and Republicans admitted that the new legislation is not perfect, but they look forward to easing the tensions caused by HB2.

"This is a significant compromise from all sides on an issue that has been discussed and discussed and discussed in North Carolina for a long period of time," said North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger.

"It is something that I think satisfies some people, dissatisfies some people, but it's a good thing for North Carolina," he added.

Berger said that a give and take from both sides prompted the compromise. He noted that the new measure still protects restroom safety and privacy, adding that it can be strengthened with future legislation.

The compromise came as the NCAA announced that North Carolina would not be considered for championship events from 2018 to 2022 as long as HB2 is in effect. The sports organization said that it would make its decisions regarding host cities this week and announced them in April.

Earlier this week, The Associated Press published a report indicating that the state could lose over $3.76 billion over 12 years due to the boycotts caused by HB2.

Gay rights activists criticized the new measure, saying that it is not a true repeal because it still denies them protection from discrimination.

"After more than a year of inaction, today North Carolina lawmakers doubled-down on discrimination," said Chad Griffin, president of Human Rights Campaign.

"This new law does not repeal HB2. Instead, it institutes a statewide prohibition on equality by banning non-discrimination protections across North Carolina and fuels the flames of anti-transgender hate. Each and every lawmaker who supported this bill has betrayed the LGBTQ community," he added.