Bill halting transgender ordinances clears House

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Latest on North Carolina lawmakers returning to work to address Charlotte's ordinance that lets transgender people choose men's and women's bathrooms according to the gender they identify with.

Legislation preventing North Carolina local governments from approving their own regulations covering sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination has cleared one chamber of the General Assembly.

The state House voted Wednesday for a measure created after Charlotte leaders voted for an ordinance last month. Critics of the ordinance say North Carolina's largest city went too far, especially with rules that let transgender people use the bathroom aligned with their gender identity. They say it could open the door to any man entering women's restrooms.

House Democrats criticized the legislation as turning away protections to citizens who need it most.

The bill next goes to the Senate, where final passage is likely. Any final legislation would go to Gov. Pat McCrory's desk.

Copyright 2016 the Associated Press.

The Gayly- 3/23/2016 @ 2:51 PM CST