Zombie convention delays Charlotte event in hopes LGBT law will be repealed

A zombie convention has pushed its June event in Charlotte to December in hopes that North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2 will be repealed by then.

The Walker Stalker Convention will be held Dec. 17-18 at Charlotte’s Park Expo and Convention Center. Walker Stalker Con is three days of events, panels and experiences for zombie enthusiasts, according to its website.

“Walker Stalker Convention has always been a place for ALL fans, regardless of who they are, or who they love. As such, we must add our voice to those opposing the injustice of North Carolina House Bill 2, and postpone our June 25-26 2016 Charlotte event,” the group wrote on its website Monday.

The group added that it has “faith in the people of North Carolina” to repeal the law, which it calls unfair.

House Bill 2 sets a statewide definition of protected classes of citizens that doesn’t include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also struck down a Charlotte ordinance that would have allowed transgender people to use the bathroom of the gender with which they identify.

At least 20 conventions and events have backed out of Charlotte because of concerns over HB2, and another 36 are hesitant, the Charlotte Regional Visitor Authority says. The loss of all 56 events could cost the city more than $86 million in visitor spending.

This story was originally published April 26, 2016 at 6:52 AM with the headline "Zombie convention delays Charlotte event in hopes LGBT law will be repealed."