N. Carolina may miss out on more NCAA events

sponding to the sex on their birth certificates.

It also excludes gender identity and sexual orientation from local and statewide antidiscrimination protections.

Republican legislators approved the bill while Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper wants the law fully repealed. A proposed repeal deal failed in December at the legislature.

“I have offered numerous compromises and remain open to any deal that will bring jobs and sports back to North Carolina and begin to repair our reputation,” Cooper said statement marking the anniversary of the law’s passage. He added that it was time for Republicans “to step up, meet halfway, and repeal HB2.”

Discussions among Republicans appeared to intensify this week.

The North Carolina Sports Association has said more than 130 bids have been submitted to the NCAA, estimating more than $250 million in poten- tial economic impact.

House Speaker Tim Moore, R- Cleveland, told reporters Thursday that he and Senate leader Phil Berger, R- Rockingham, have been discussing a bill and sharing the ideas with rank-and-file GOP members. Moore declined to give many details about what’s being discussed but said the legislature wouldn’t back away from keeping in law the ability for state lawmakers only — not local governments like Charlotte’s city council — to regulate who can use public restrooms and shower facilities.

“We’re not going to change that,” Moore said.

Moore said some changes can be made to North Carolina law that would make it essentially identical to laws in surrounding states.

“If those changes were made, there would be absolutely no justification for the NCAA, the (Atlantic Coast Conference), anyone else to treat North Carolina any different than those other states,” Moore said.