North Carolina Attorney General Won’t Defend Anti-Gay Law In Court

** ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND JULY 14-15 ** FILE ** North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper speaks during a news conference in Raleigh, N.C., April 11, 2007. Cooper is among several attorneys general nationwide focusing ... ** ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND JULY 14-15 ** FILE ** North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper speaks during a news conference in Raleigh, N.C., April 11, 2007. Cooper is among several attorneys general nationwide focusing on the safety of children using MySpace.com and other social networking sites. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) MORE LESS
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s attorney general says he won’t defend in court a new state law preventing Charlotte and other local governments from approving protections for LGBT citizens at restaurants, hotels and stores.

Democrat Roy Cooper made the announcement Tuesday, a day after gay rights advocates sued the state to seek to overturn the law. The federal lawsuit lists Cooper among the defendants because of his official position, but he opposes the law and wants it repealed.

The Republican-led legislature and GOP Gov. Pat McCrory approved the law last week. They say Charlotte went too far with a local ordinance allowing transgender people to use the restroom of their preference. The law also addresses bathroom use in schools and state agencies.

Cooper is challenging McCrory for governor this fall.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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