CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday night the city of Charlotte will hold a forum to get feedback on a controversial non-discrimination ordinance that failed last year.
The updates being discussed would add protections for the LGBT community. It failed after controversy over the change that would allow someone who is transgender to use the bathroom of the sex that they identify with.
Advocates held a press conference Monday afternoon announcing their coalition is relaunching an effort to pass an ordinance to give additional protections to the LGBT community in the workplace and businesses in Charlotte.
"These updates are vital for gay and transgendered people," said Crystal Richardson with Turnout Charlotte Coalition.
This year the city is using a different approach to keep the discussion under control. The committee hired actors to represent both sides.
"We want people to understand that there are two sides to every story and the actors will portray different sides said Community Relations Committee Director Willie Ratchford.
Ratchford explained the actors will portray businessmen for and against the ordinance, a parent concerned about safety concerns regarding transgender use of bathrooms and a transgender youth.
"To say well this thing we don't want to hear the controversy so we're just going to do this fake thing at a community forum, it's poor judgment," said North Carolina Rep. Dan Bishop.
Bishop told Eyewitness News he is not only against using actors, he penned a letter saying the ordinance conflicts with state law and could get the city sued.
"Once they put us through all the turmoil it's pretty clear they can't do it," he said.
Advocates disagree, saying they disputed that claim last year.
Matt Hirschy with Equality NC said, "There is a lot of fear tactics being spewed left and right."
Advocates see the see the city's emphasis on healthy community conversation as a step in the right direction.
"They know it's the right thing to do and it's good for Charlotte," Hirschy said.
Attendees will break into groups to discuss the ordinance and that information will be transcribed and given to the council. During the forum all the bathrooms will be turned into single user bathrooms that anyone can use temporarily.
Eyewitness News has a crew covering the forum. Our coverage continues at 11.
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