Roy Cooper on Civil Rights

We must find ways to continue to tackle systemic racism

Workplace discrimination "bathroom bill" is unacceptable

But there is more to do. We must show the rest of the nation and the world who we really are: a state that values diversity, that is welcoming, and that is open for business. I've signed two executive orders that reaffirm those values by banning workplace discrimination.

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.

Repeal law requiring bathroom use based on birth gender

Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper, who has held the office since 2001, has declined to defend the law and vowed to try repealing it as governor.

Women deserve equal pay

Same-sex marriage opt-out is likely unconstitutional

Cooper said the law is the kind of legislation that turns businesses away. "We need to be welcoming as a state," he said. "I think we need to encourage having all kinds of people here, and I think some businesses look with scorn at states who pass these kinds of laws. So, I think it's bad for jobs. I think it's bad for our families. I think it's bad for the economy."

Last year, Cooper refused to defend the state's same-sex ban in court. "Our office defends the state when it gets sued," he said when asked if he would defend the new law. "That's the job of the Attorney General's office."