Two prominent LGBT rights groups on
Friday endorsed Roy Cooper for governor of North Carolina.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and
Equality NC made the endorsement in a joint statement.
Cooper, the state's Democratic attorney
general, is campaigning to unseat Pat McCrory, the state's Republican
governor.
McCrory gained national attention after
he signed House Bill 2, which blocks cities and local municipalities
from approving LGBT protections and prohibits transgender people from
using the bathroom of their choice. McCrory has stood by the law
despite ongoing protests against it.
Cooper has refused to defend the law in
court, forcing McCrory to hire outside lawyers.
“Roy Cooper is a stalwart advocate
for LGBTQ equality and a proven leader who will work to make the Tar
Heel State inclusive and welcoming for all,” said HRC President
Chad Griffin. “Day after day, Pat McCrory has continued his
reckless defense of the discriminatory HB2 with disregard for the
very real harm inflicted on the people, reputation and economy of
North Carolina. As governor, Roy Cooper will work to repeal HB2,
stand up for common decency and fight to pass statewide,
LGBTQ-inclusive, non-discrimination protections. The choice this
election couldn’t be clearer. And we are proud to endorse Roy
Cooper for Governor so that each and every LGBTQ person across North
Carolina can finally live free from fear of discrimination.”
“Roy Cooper is the leader we need for
North Carolina. He has a strong track record of fighting for civil
rights, education and economic growth that Pat McCrory lacks,” said
Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro. “While Pat McCrory has
caused deep harm to both the LGBTQ community and the economy of our
state every day since the passage of HB2, Roy Cooper has been a
leader we need. The choice could not be clearer – we must elect Roy
Cooper as our next governor.”
(Related: At
Donald Trump rally, Pat McCrory ridicules transgender rights.)