Equality Federation extends a hearty congratulations to Federation member Equality North Carolina, HRC, MeckPAC and the TurnOUT! Charlotte coalition for making history tonight with Charlotte’s passage of nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in public accommodations, vehicles for hire, and in government contracting. And, thank you to the Charlotte City Council!

After hours of very passionate public testimony, including many transgender people who stood up bravely to share their stories, the City Council voted to extend the nondiscrimination protections by a vote of 7-4.

“As North Carolina’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy organization, Equality North Carolina is pleased to see Charlotte’s elected leaders take a step in the right direction on non-discrimination,” Said Crystal Richardson, Director of Advocacy for Equality NC. “We are proud to stand with Mayor Roberts and members of the Charlotte City Council in this victory for equality. This ordinance guarantees equal protection under the law for all, regardless of who they are or who they love.”

Prior to today’s vote, Charlotte remained one of the largest cities in the country without a law explicitly protecting LGBT residents and visitors from discrimination. Last month, Mayor Roberts hosted a two-hour long public forum in partnership with the Charlotte Community Relations Committee and the Community Building Initiative, that was intended to bring together all interested parties for a discussion on non-discrimination protections, before reviving the ordinance that failed by a 6 to 5 vote last year.

Charlotte is now one of more than 200 cities and 17 states with similar protections. Check out our equality map to see where your community stands.

Sadly, North Carolina’s Governor is threatening action to undermine the progress Charlotte has made, progress which is in line with the majority of Americans and North Carolinians who support fairness and freedom for all. Stay tuned to our Legislative Action Center and sign-up for our e-mails so you don’t miss a beat.

Hey guess what Charlotte, we just did it. #CLTequality

— Equality NC (@equalitync) February 23, 2016

Juli Ghazi owner of @PurePizzaCLT, not one single bad incident with their gender neutral bathroom. #factsNotFear pic.twitter.com/JXLu19RMC1

— Equality NC (@equalitync) February 23, 2016