HB2 Gets More Interesting | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

HB2 Gets More Interesting

The revisions to the law just aren't helping.

20
HB2 Gets More Interesting
The Daily Buzz

I was hoping that the next time I got the chance to talk about North Carolina's House Bill 2, or HB2, it would be an article celebrating the repeal of this horrendous law and the beginnings of North Carolina making amends to the LGBT community. Instead, I get to write about the idiocracy that is still in power that just continues to impress me with how it conducts business. HB2 has been revised and I'm mad as hell as to how it was changed.

Let's begin.

Well congratulations cis straight people! You are now allowed to sue your employer in state court! Again! It's been such a tough fight, but if you feel discriminated against, then you don't have to worry about having to file in federal court. As for everyone that this law actually negatively impacts, there still aren't any protections established to prevent workplace discrimination, which means that even if you are discriminated against, then North Carolina does not recognize LGBT discrimination as discrimination.

You may be thinking, "but what about the protections that are now offered through Ole Pat's (still not going to give him the courtesy of addressing him by name) executive decision?" Well that would be great and all if all the LGBT people in the state worked for the state government, but most jobs in North Carolina are in the private sector, so while a few receive those protections, there still isn't enough coverage for the rest of the North Carolina LGBT community.

Yes. Yes, you have.

Next, I know that this will sound stereotypical, but every Republican I have ever met has always been focused on money. This usually comes from them saying that Democrats are wasting it, or it comes from them saying, "how can we make more of it?" Well HB2 is gearing up to cost the state a potential of $5 billion a year if it is not repealed. This largely comes from a potential loss of federal funding once the lawsuit filed by US Attorney General Loretta Lynch gets sorted out, but we have already seen a loss of revenue due to the cancellations of concerts from Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Cirque du Soleil among others. Bank of America and Paypal both decided to back out of expansions planned in North Carolina.

So at what point can Republicans decide that they have lost enough money and graciously bow out of this fight against its own citizens?

I really see that coming.

Well here comes the real kicker of what the legislature has done. They decided it would be a brilliant idea to allocate $500,000 in order to defend itself in the coming court battle with the federal government. Sure I would have at least respected this move if this had been a law that was progressive and... good... but the real insult comes from where this money is coming. The state just took this money from a disaster relief fund.

Let me repeat myself. The state just took this money from a disaster relief fund.

You know, the money that the state would have used if there happens to be a hurricane that hits the state, or a tornado decides to rip through Fayetteville again. Once again this shows how the state government just does not care about its citizens. Maybe that money could have been put to better use, like education or DISASTER RELIEF.

Maybe the UN can declare a state of emergency for North Carolina..

I know you all must be tired of me ranting about HB2, but I'm not going to sit quietly by as people get marginalized and discriminated against. We need new leadership in North Carolina, the kind of leadership that will actually look after and care about its citizens. We need for this state to not be such a laughing stock. Lastly, we just need to let people use the bathroom where the feel most comfortable. As the good book says, "Everyone Poops."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
12 Things To Do On A Snow Day

Everyone loves a snow day! Whether you decide to call out sick from work or your classes get canceled, it is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

1. Build a snowman

People brave enough to face the weather can go outside to build an adorable man made of snow. Relive those childhood glory days, but remember to bundle up!

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate
NBC Universal

Everyone who is in college right now, or has ever been, knows the struggle of pulling in the strings at the last second. It seems impossible, and you have to do a LOT of things in order to assure your future for the next semester.

April Ludgate, historically, is a very annoyed person, and she doesn't hide it. Of all the times that I binged and re-binged "Parks and Rec," her attitude relates more and more to me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

To The Cheerful Person On Their Rainy Days, You Are Valid

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

672
pug covered with blanket on bedspread
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Ask friends of mine to name a quality about me, and one a lot them will point out the fact that I am almost always smiling. I like to laugh and smile -- not to quote Buddy the Elf in April, but smiling is my favorite! It is probably my favorite go-to expression. However, what a lot of people do not see is that I have my down days. I have days when smiling and laughing is a real struggle, or when I have so much on my plate that going out of my way to behappy takes more effort than I have stored in me. Be it a symptom of college and growing up or a facet of life, I cannot always be content.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Struggles of Packing for College

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

659
a room with boxes and a window

1. Figuring out when to start

Timing is key, you don’t want to start too early or too late.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times 'Parks and Recreation' Has Summed Up Your Life

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

433
parks and rec
Liz Keysmash

Amidst my hectic college career, I always find time for one thing, even on the busiest weeks: Parks and Recreation. This show has made me laugh and has made me cry, but most of all I have related to this show more than I would like to admit.

Here are some "Parks and Rec" moments that relate to life struggles that just about everyone faces.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments