PFLAG National Calls HB2 Inaction “…Unconscionable, Unacceptable…”

WASHINGTON, DC—PFLAG National—the nation’s largest organization uniting families, allies, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ)—today called out the North Carolina state legislature for their inability to deliver full fairness and justice to all who live in their state by failing to repeal the discriminatory HB2.

“Outrageous, unconscionable, and unacceptable,” said PFLAG National Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Kohm. “We have waited months for fairness and dignity to prevail. Now, instead of doing what’s right, North Carolina’s legislators will retire to the comfort of their homes and families for the holidays, leaving our families living or visiting there still vulnerable and still unprotected.”

The sentiment was echoed by Linda Stroupe, PFLAG National board member and North Carolina resident and chapter leader. “The Charlotte city council voted in good faith to repeal the local ordinance only to pave the way for a full repeal of HB2. Clearly, the North Carolina state legislature had no plan to do so, and had no good faith to offer. We thank those in the legislature who spoke out today for a full repeal, and hope they will continue working together with our 16 PFLAG chapters and all concerned North Carolinians.”

Said Kohm, “I challenge every legislator who did not support the full repeal of HB2 to meet the families you are harming. Hear your PFLAG constituents’ stories, and then look them in the eye and explain your vote.”

“A total repeal of HB2 is the only thing that will deliver full fairness, protection, and dignity to all who live in or visit my beautiful home state,” said Stroupe. “Time will not change PFLAG’s resolve.”

PFLAG has 16 chapters in North Carolina, and over 400 chapters across the United States including Puerto Rico. To learn more about PFLAG National’s advocacy work, visit pflag.org/wherewestand.

PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization uniting families, allies, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy, and has more than 400 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. To learn more, visit pflag.org.