The Rev. Franklin Graham criticized Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and city council members who voted to pass a controversial ordinance that would allow transgender residents to use either a men's or women's bathroom, depending on the gender with which they identify.
"Shame on Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and the city council members" for passing the ordinance, Graham wrote Tuesday, after the vote on the measure, which also says businesses can't discriminate against gay, lesbian or transgender customers and applies to places of public accommodation, such as bars, restaurants, stores as well as taxis.
"It's not over though," added Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. "North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has been clear that this is a bad policy and said if the city passed it, immediate legislative action would likely be taken by the state. I hope they will take swift action to strike down this dangerous ordinance or bring it to a referendum for voters to decide."
Gov. McCrory said Sunday the bathroom provision would likely cause "immediate" action by legislators, according to The Charlotte Observer.