Ok, so Governor McCrory has called for a special session in order to repeal HB2 after making a deal with the city of Charlotte that they would repeal their (already nullified) non-discrimination ordnance, which basically ordered businesses, “let men into the women’s restrooms, or else.” This is not good news.

The problem with it?

First off, why do we need to do anything at all? The Charlotte ordinance put guys into the ladies room, HB2 took them back out. Why feel the need to compromise and make deals at all, unless we’re willing to compromise on our stand that men don’t belong in women’s bathrooms? Charlotte acted and the state countered with appropriate measures. What’s wrong with leaving it at that?

Secondly, think about what’s actually being said here by the state if they go forward with this deal. They are basically saying, “We promise to change the law to legalize the bad thing that you just tried to do, if you promise to stop doing it.” That logic doesn’t even make sense. That strategy never works, because there’s nothing in place to stop Charlotte or any other city from going right back and passing the same ordinance, or a slightly modified one, right over again. What would the state do then? Pass HB2 again to stop them? Doubtful. Try applying that logic to our state laws regarding robbery. “Robbery is bad, but we will legalize it on the condition that you will give back this one thing that you just stole.” It doesn’t take a very smart person to recognize the issue with that argument.

Thirdly, This move only has the potential to take us backward, not forward in our cause to protect religious liberty, family values, and women’s safety. We gain nothing in this deal. Charlotte’s repeal of the ordinance is meaningless because the ordinance has already been nullified by the state. It makes no difference whether they repeal it or not. In a true compromise both parties bring something to the table, but here, Charlotte has nothing to bargain with. There is no upside potential. This deal only opens the doors for more cities to follow in the steps of Charlotte with radical anti-discrimination policies and the like. We hold the political high ground now. Why give it up, especially when there’s nothing to be gained by it?

This is a bad deal. I urge all the members of the NC House and Senate to reject the proposed repeal of HB2 and to continue standing for the safety of our women and children.

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Reprinted with permission from Micah Burke.