North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has conceded his loss to his Democratic opponent after initially refusing to step aside in the very close race.
Governor McCrory became known for his anti-LGBTI platform, signing the controversial HB2 bathroom bill which prevented trans people from using the bathroom aligned to their gender and allowed discrimination against LGBTI people based on religious belief.
McCrory’s anti-LGBTI stance drew much attention from musicians, performers and businesses who support the LGBTI community which led to boycotts, cancelled tour stops, protests and lost business opportunities.
Governor McCrory’s opponent Roy Cooper has now crossed the 10,000 vote threshold to declare victory, leading to McCrory’s concession.
“Being the 74th Governor of North Carolina has been a privilege and an honour. But during this wonderful season, it’s also time to celebrate our democratic process and respect what I see to be the ultimate outcome of the closest North Carolina governor’s race in modern history,” McCrory said.
“Despite continued questions that should be answered regarding the voting process, I personally believe that the majority of our citizens have spoken and we now should do everything we can to support the 75th governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper.”
LGBTI advocates and allies have celebrated McCrory’s loss, with Human Rights Commission President Chad Griffin decreeing his “reign of discrimination is finally over.”
“McCrory’s stubborn and reckless support of HB2 cost him this election, and his defeat sends a powerful warning to lawmakers across the country that targeting LGBTQ people will not be tolerated,” Griffin said.
“We look forward to working with Governor-elect Roy Cooper and fair-minded lawmakers to repeal HB2. It’s way past time to repair the harm inflicted on North Carolina’s people, reputation and economy.”
OIP Staff
