Dueling rallies clash over North Carolina’s new LGBT measure

About 500 gathered on the grounds of the old Capitol in the largest demonstration yet by supporters of the law, seeking to strike back after more than two weeks of negative publicity along with condemnation from business leaders and other public figures.

Signs reading “No Men in Women’s Bathrooms” highlighted a single provision of the multifaceted law that has served as a major rallying point for conservatives: a measure requiring transgender people to use the public bathroom corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificate.

The dueling demonstrations reflected a fervor that’s expected to keep the debate stoked through the legislative session later this month — and likely through fall elections that include a closely contested governor’s race.

Creech told the crowd at his rally that a “smear campaign” has been deployed against a law that protects small-business owners who want to follow their religious beliefs.

The state law was passed after Charlotte adopted a nondiscrimination ordinance allowing transgender people to use public restrooms in line with their gender identity.