2017 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Civil Rights

Roy Cooper: Repeal the "Bathroom Bill"; it's a dark cloud over NC

I call on the legislature once again to repeal House Bill 2 [the "Bathroom Bill" which requires transgendered people to use the bathroom of their birth gender]. The law has damaged our state. The legislature must erase this law from our books. Pass a clean repeal of HB2 and I will sign it the same day. Pass a compromise repeal that works to eliminate discrimination and brings back jobs, sports and entertainment and I will sign it--as long as it truly gets the job done.

I also raise this issue at the beginning because HB2 is the dark cloud hanging over our state of promise. It drains the energy from what should be our work for the people of this state. It's time to move on.

Phil Scott: Support peaceful march against bias & discrimination

I will continue to protect the rights of Vermonters and the human rights of all people. In my Inaugural address, I outlined a vision where we build the best education system in the country, making economic growth the focus of each effort we undertake, and create opportunity for all Vermonters. I am committed to this vision and believe we can achieve it, if we find common ground, listen to the people we are here to serve, and make the difficult decisions necessary to set a new course. If we work together and consider the motto of Vermont's Mountain Battalion: we can "ascend to victory," even when the climb sometimes feels too steep.