Charlotte may pass new workplace, LGBTQ protections. Here’s how to watch.

Charlotte City Council will hold a public hearing Monday afternoon as elected leaders consider changes to a local nondiscrimination law.

Proposed amendments center on both expanding the definition of “protected classes” — such as race, sex and religion, and adding gender identity and natural hair— and adding a provision to apply nondiscrimination protections for employees. That provision includes those at small businesses who do not have many state or federal workplace protections.

Tonight’s City Council meeting begins at 5 p.m. A live stream will be available via the City of Charlotte’s Facebook page.

For answers to frequently asked questions about Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance amendments being discussed, go here.

If approved, Charlotte would be one of several North Carolina municipalities this year to pass an expanded nondiscrimination ordinance (commonly called an NDO) in light of an HB2-era state law expiring.

Both the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have voiced support for the updated NDO, but several LGBTQ+ organizations have said they want tougher penalties for organizations or businesses found in violation of the law.

This story was originally published August 9, 2021 at 10:53 AM.