WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A federal judge posed tough questions for GOP lawyers Monday as he considered whether to block a North Carolina legal measure governing transgender bathroom access, asking pointedly how the law was making people safer.
US District Judge Thomas Schroeder heard arguments on transgender plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction blocking parts of the law that limits protections for LGBT people, but said he would issue a ruling later.
His request for more written briefs indicated a decision was at least days away. A trial on the merits of the law is scheduled for November.
The US Justice Department and the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the transgender plaintiffs, argued for a preliminary injunction to block the restroom provision of the law. Defending the law are Governor Pat McCrory, state legislative leaders, and a citizens’ group.
‘‘How does this law make bathrooms and changing rooms safer in North Carolina?’’ the judge asked Butch Bowers, an attorney for McCrory.
The state’s Republican leaders argue the law is needed to protect privacy and safety by keeping men out of women’s restrooms. Opponents argue that it’s a solution in search of a problem.
Associated Press